**Young Father and Amazon Delivery Driver Tragically Dies at Level Crossing**
A devastating incident unfolded in Kent last Sunday as Brandon Hatcher, a 23-year-old Amazon delivery driver from Ashford and father to a young daughter, lost his life in a collision with a train at Bax Crossing in Tonge, near Teynham. The collision occurred just after 12.45pm, and despite the emergency services’ swift response, Mr Hatcher was pronounced dead at the scene.
The tragedy has left his family, friends, and local community in deep mourning. In the days following his death, heartfelt tributes have poured in from all aspects of Brandon’s life, each painting a portrait of a kind-hearted and much-loved individual whose absence will be keenly felt.
Brandon’s family expressed their profound grief, describing him not only as a devoted father and partner but also a cherished son, brother, grandson, and uncle. “His family are deeply saddened by his passing at such a tragically young age in an accident that could have been so easily avoided,” the family statement read. They also expressed hope that the incident would serve as a vital lesson to help prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Friends and colleagues have echoed the family’s sentiments, remembering Brandon’s infectious humour, easy-going nature, and the warmth he brought to his relationships. Isabelle Harvey, a close friend, described him as having “the funniest, kindest, and most caring soul”, urging the community to come together to support Brandon’s young family in their time of grief. Another friend, Calum Bottlee, reflected on the disbelief and sorrow many are feeling, saying, “You’ll be missed by so many. Having the pleasure of knowing you and calling you a friend has been a blessing.”
Support has not been limited to words alone. In a demonstration of solidarity, a fundraiser established to assist Brandon’s family has rapidly garnered more than £11,000 in donations. Rob Galkoff, who works with Amazon’s delivery service partners, emphasised the need for community support: “Any donations, no matter how small, would go a long way to help his family. I know Amazon is also doing lots, but let’s all do what we can, too.”
Brandon’s colleagues have shared fond memories, describing him as a hard-working and loving family man. Lloyd Bryant, a co-worker, labelled him “hilarious, loving, and an overall lovely guy”, while Elena Santandreu Almagro, who set up the JustGiving page, stated, “He had the biggest heart. He was unintentionally funny, caring, and he would have done anything for anyone who needed his help.” The consistent theme among the tributes has been Brandon’s selflessness and the positive impact he made on those around him.
The site of the incident, Bax Crossing, has drawn scrutiny in the wake of the accident. The crossing, which relies on drivers manually opening gates when a green light is shown, has been the subject of safety concerns following previous near-miss reports. Investigations are now underway, with the British Transport Police citing that the incident is not considered suspicious and a file is being prepared for the coroner. The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) has also initiated a preliminary examination after gathering evidence at the scene.
Amazon has responded to the tragedy with condolences to Mr Hatcher’s loved ones and confirmed its cooperation with authorities as investigations into the incident continue. A spokesperson for the company stated, “This is a terrible incident and our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the delivery driver’s family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
As inquiries progress, the incident has reignited concerns about the safety of rural level crossings and the measures needed to prevent further loss of life. For now, however, the community’s focus remains firmly on supporting Brandon’s family and honouring the memory of a young father whose life ended far too soon.