Heartfelt tributes have been paid to a schoolboy who died on a Midland railway line this week. Emergency services were called to the line in Blockley in the Cotswolds on Monday (June 8) to reports of a casualty on the tracks at 8pm. Paramedics and police attended but nothing could be done to save Harrison Aylott, who was just 15.
Harrison’s family has issued an emotional tribute to the schoolboy who ‘brought joy to so many’. They said: “Our beautiful boy Harrison was the light in our lives and had everyone laughing within minutes of being in his company. His relationship with his brothers was so special and to see them laugh together brought us so much joy. We’ve had so many lovely messages from his friends telling us just how cherished he was by them and how much joy he brought to them all. Please continue to send any photos you have of our lovely boy, you have no idea how special they are to us right now. He was the kindest boy with the biggest heart and while nothing will heal this pain we will continue to carry him in our hearts forever and ever and we encourage all who loved him to do the same and think of all the places he will go. Our dear boy, we love you so much.”
Harrison attended The Cotswold School in Bourton-on-the-Water and the school too paid tribute to him, saying he brought ‘warmth and positivity to those around him’. It said: “On Tuesday morning, we were made aware of the death of Harrison Aylott, a Year 11 student. Our thoughts and prayers are with Harrison’s family and friends, and with everyone affected by this sudden loss. This includes the students and staff at The Cotswold School and Chipping Campden School, where Harrison studied before joining us in January 2026. Harrison quickly became a valued member of our school community. He made friends with ease, embraced the opportunities available to him in Year 11, and brought warmth and positivity to those around him. He brightened our school, was a genuine pleasure to teach, and is a student who will be remembered with great fondness by all who knew him.”
The statement continued: “We will continue to provide care and support to the students and staff of our community during this incredibly difficult time. Such a tragic event will impact people in different ways, and we will continue to put in place support for as long as is needed. We encourage you, as parents, to speak to your child about how they are feeling and that they can seek support from yourselves, the school and other professionals. You can access guidance and advice on the website. If your child would like to talk to someone in school, please do not hesitate to get in touch. We continue to be committed to supporting our community during this very difficult time.”
When life is difficult, Samaritans are here to listen – day or night, 365 days a year. You can call them for free on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org. And Harrison’s former rugby club, Stow on the Wold, also posted a tribute to the 15-year-old. It said: “It is with great sadness that we learned on Tuesday morning of the passing of Harrison Aylott, a former member of last season’s Under-16s squad. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Harrison’s family, friends, teammates, and everyone affected by this tragic loss. We recognise that the death of a young person can have a profound impact on many people, often in different ways. As a club, we are committed to supporting anyone who may be struggling during this difficult time and encourage members of our rugby community to reach out if they need help or someone to talk to. Should anyone feel that additional support from external services would be beneficial, the club will do everything possible to help facilitate access to that support. The loss of a young life is heartbreaking, and we stand together as a club and rugby community to support one another through this incredibly difficult period.”
British Transport Police said his death is not being treated as suspicious. It added: “Harrison’s family have also released a photo of him. We would now ask for their privacy to be respected as they come to terms with their tragic loss.”
