A FAMILY has paid tribute to a ‘caring’ and ‘good-natured’ delivery driver who took his own life.

Oxfordshire Coroner Darren Salter yesterday recorded a conclusion of suicide following the death of Rodney Siziba on June 7, last year.

The court heard how Mr Siziba, from Mansfield Gardens in Didcot, was hit by a GWR train on the track near Fulscot Road bridge.

In a statement read to the court his mother Maria Mugarapanyama said: “He had a beautiful nature and was always so caring to all who he met. He had a really good sense of humour and always made everyone laugh.

“It is a very difficult time for our family to try and comprehend what happened.”

British Transport Police investigator Mat Harvey - who was at the inquest - said within an hour before Mr Siziba’s death, an ‘allegation’ had been made by a female who was at his home that day.

He said the female had phoned the police from Mr Siziba’s home and agreed to come to Didcot Police Station.

The officer added that while the female was at the police station she received a text message from Mr Siziba.

Mr Salter said: “There was an allegation made and the reason that is part of the evidence is because of Rodney’s own text showing something about the effect of his state of mind and his purpose to take the action he did putting himself in front of the train.”

He added: “Rodney ran out on the railway line in the path of the train resulting in his death.

“My conclusion is one of suicide.”