💔 He stepped out for a normal evening walk… just like any other night. Hours later, the lights went out forever on a 14-year-old boy who lit up every room he entered. Josh Travis – the promising young goalkeeper once scouted by Nottingham Forest – was gone in an instant at a quiet railway crossing. No warning. No goodbye. Just silence that shattered an entire community. 😢

This wasn’t some distant tragedy. Josh was THAT kid: the one with the infectious laugh, the cheeky grin that made teammates crack up mid-training, the “fantastic goalkeeper” coaches raved about for his talent and heart. Polite, funny, full of life – family says he had “so much love to give.” Friends called him a brother. Nottingham Forest posted tributes that left thousands in tears. Even the club held a minute’s silence.

But here’s what haunts everyone: The crossing where it happened was ALREADY under review for safety concerns. Network Rail had pushed to close it… talks had just started… yet tragedy struck anyway. Was this preventable? Could more have been done? The questions are piling up as investigators dig deeper, the crossing stays shut, and a family grieves a son they’ll “miss forever.”

Read the full heartbreaking story below – grab tissues first. Who’s holding their kids a little tighter tonight? ❤️

A 14-year-old boy described by family and friends as full of life and love has died after being struck by a train at a footpath level crossing in this quiet village near Nottingham. Joshua Travis, a former goalkeeper in Nottingham Forest’s youth academy, was pronounced dead at the scene on the evening of Wednesday, November 26, 2025.

British Transport Police (BTP) officers were called to the Chestnut Grove footpath crossing in Burton Joyce shortly after 7 p.m. following reports of a casualty on the railway line. Emergency services, including paramedics and firefighters, attended but were unable to save the teenager. Authorities confirmed the incident was not being treated as suspicious, and a file was prepared for the coroner.

Joshua, known to friends and family as Josh, had been a promising talent in local football circles. He had spent time in Nottingham Forest’s academy system as a goalkeeper before moving on to other clubs, including Aspire FC. The Premier League club issued a statement on social media expressing profound sadness over his passing.

“Everyone at Nottingham Forest is deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of our former academy goalkeeper Josh Travis,” the club wrote on Instagram. “Our thoughts are with Josh’s family and friends at this extremely difficult time.”

Tributes poured in from across the football community and beyond. Teammates remembered him as a “fantastic goalkeeper” with a “polite and funny nature,” someone whose energy lifted those around him. His family released a statement through BTP describing the profound loss.

“Josh was a loving, kind and funny boy with an incredible energy for life,” the family said. “He had so much love to give and will be missed forever by his family and friends.”

The incident occurred at the Chestnut Grove crossing, a pedestrian footpath level crossing over the railway line between Nottingham and Lincoln. Following the tragedy, Network Rail temporarily closed the crossing for safety reasons. The closure, initially set for 21 days, was later extended by an additional six months while further assessments take place.

Reports indicate the crossing had been under review prior to the incident. Network Rail had applied to Nottinghamshire County Council to close or upgrade it due to ongoing safety concerns about pedestrian access at the site. Discussions with local authorities had reportedly begun just days before Josh’s death, raising questions in the community about whether additional measures could have prevented the tragedy.

The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) launched an independent inquiry to establish the sequence of events leading to the incident. Investigators are examining factors including the crossing’s design, signage, visibility, any potential obstructions, and the circumstances surrounding Josh’s presence on or near the tracks that evening. A separate investigation by British Transport Police continues to support the coroner’s inquest.

Local residents and officials expressed shock and sorrow. Burton Joyce, a village of around 4,000 people located about six miles northeast of Nottingham city center, is known for its peaceful setting along the River Trent. The railway line runs parallel to parts of the village, and the Chestnut Grove crossing provides a direct footpath link used by locals, including schoolchildren and walkers.

In the days following the incident, Nottingham Forest observed a minute’s silence before matches and training sessions as a mark of respect. Posts on social media from former teammates, youth football groups, and supporters highlighted Josh’s positive impact both on and off the pitch.

“He was the kid who always had a smile, always made you laugh even on tough days,” one former academy colleague wrote online. “Football lost a real talent, but the world lost an even better person.”

The tragedy has renewed calls for improved safety at level crossings across the UK. Network Rail operates thousands of such crossings, many dating back decades, and has faced criticism in the past over pedestrian safety. In recent years, the organization has closed or automated dozens of high-risk sites, but campaigners argue progress is too slow in some areas.

Data from the Office of Rail and Road shows that while fatalities at level crossings have declined overall, incidents involving pedestrians remain a concern. In the five years leading up to 2025, several similar tragedies involving young people prompted reviews of local crossings.

Josh’s family has asked for privacy as they grieve, but they have permitted the release of tributes to celebrate his life. Friends organized small gatherings and online memorials, sharing photos of him in his goalkeeper kit, laughing with teammates, and enjoying everyday moments.

Nottinghamshire County Council and local representatives expressed condolences and support for any safety enhancements recommended by investigators. A council spokesperson noted that discussions with Network Rail were ongoing prior to the incident and would continue in light of recent events.

As the investigation proceeds, the focus remains on understanding exactly what occurred on that November evening. Josh had left home as he often did, perhaps heading out for a walk or to meet friends — a routine that ended in unimaginable loss.

The community of Burton Joyce, Nottingham Forest supporters, and the wider football world continue to mourn a young life cut short. Josh Travis is remembered not just as a talented athlete with a bright future ahead, but as a son, brother, friend, and teammate whose presence brought joy to those who knew him.

His story serves as a somber reminder of the need for vigilance around railway infrastructure and the devastating impact one moment can have on countless lives. As inquiries continue and the crossing remains closed, those closest to Josh hold onto memories of his laughter, his kindness, and the love he shared so freely.