A tragic incident unfolded as a mother of two lost her life in a railway accident while walking her dog. Jan Mullen, aged 54, was crossing the railway line near Parbold, West Lancashire, with her dog off the lead when a train struck her around 7:25pm. Despite emergency services’ efforts, Jan was pronounced dead at the scene. The train operating in the area has a speed limit of 60mph, and the driver attempted to stop but couldn’t prevent the collision.
During the inquest held at Preston Coroner’s Court, it was determined that there was no indication Jan intended harm to herself, leading to the conclusion that her death was likely a tragic accident. Her husband, Dr. Daryl Mullen, shared on Facebook that he believed her impaired vision and disorientation while looking for their dog, Fred, may have contributed to the accident. Jan’s death was ruled as misadventure, highlighting the unintended consequences of her actions.
Tributes flooded in for the physiotherapist, with former classmates reminiscing about her kind nature and warmth. Dr. Mullen requested privacy for the family during this difficult time and a collection box was set up at Parbold Surgery for condolence messages. Messages of support and memories were shared on social media, depicting Jan as a lovely person with a warm character.
The incident involving Jan Mullen’s tragic passing serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of life and the importance of safety measures, especially near railway lines. The community’s heartfelt tributes reflect the impact Jan had on those around her, leaving a legacy of kindness and warmth.