A FORMER pub manager died after being hit by a train at Oxenholme station.

An inquest at Kendal’s County Hall heard that David Thomasson, 63, appeared to jump into the path of the oncoming train after being seen “staggering” along the platform on the evening of August 7 this year.

Recording a narrative verdict, assistant county coroner Robert Chapman said he had viewed CCTV footage of the area on the evening in question.

“Mr Thomasson seen to be staggering and was obviously intoxicated,” he said in his verdict.

“He saw the train approaching and stepped out into its path.”

Mr Chapman said toxology reports indicted high levels of alcohol in his body and also the presence of heroin and cocaine.

But he said he was not satisfied that Mr Thomasson’s intention was to take his own life and after due consideration he had recorded the narrative verdict.

The court heard that Mr Thomasson, one of eight children, was born in Stockport but had subsequently moved to the Kendal area.

He had a spell as manager of the then Kent Tavern pub in the town in 2000.

At the time of his death, he was living with his partner of 18 years Melanie Palmer in a static caravan at the High Park site close to Oxenholme station, and was employed as a cleaner.

The court heard he was “well liked by friends and family.”

Mrs Palmer told the court that on the day he died, Mr Thomasson had consumed some alcohol and had left the house at around 6.45pm.

She said she assumed he was going to a local supermarket to purchase more alcohol but CCTV cameras picked him up on the road outside the station, which he then entered.

Mr Thomasson subsequently walked along the platform and stepped into the path of a Royal Mail train, which was approaching at high speed.

Emergency services were called but Mr Thomasson had suffered multiple injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

After delivering his verdict, Mr Chapman offering his condolences to Mr Thomasson’s family.