Father of train deaths teenager visits scene of sons death
Tributes pour in for Mert Karaoglan, 18, and his friend Charleigh Jade Disbrey, 15
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The father of a teenager killed by a train in an apparent suicide pact with a school-friend has visited the scene where his son died.
Mert Karaoglan, 18, and Charleigh Disbrey, 15, died after being struck by a train travelling at 90mph near Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, on Monday night.
Police found suicide notes at the scene and said they were not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.
The dead man's father, Sakru Karaoglan, 48, visited the scene, accompanied by a dozen friends and relatives. He said that his son had told him he would just be out for a couple of hours on Monday evening.
A friend said: “He is devastated. Mert was his only son. He just can't stop crying. He cried all yesterday and all day to day. All he does is smoke and cry.”
Mert, an amateur film-maker, and Charleigh, an aspiring musician, both attended the local Hertswood Academy.
The head teacher of the academy, Peter Gillett, said that the pair were talented, hard-working and well-respected pupils at the academy.
On a tribute site to the youngsters, Miss Disbrey's mother wrote: “Charleigh my Baby my Angel, I just can't believe you have been taken from me like this, u are my beautiful very talented little girl!! Please someone wake me up from this nightmare. Please I just want my daughter back.”
Floral tributes were left near the railway line and at the school. One card outside the school gates read: “To Mert, thinking of you always, bless your soul and may you rest in peace friend.”
British Transport Police are continuing their investigations into the double tragedy but said that they believed nobody else was involved in the deaths.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments