17yo Dies While Train Surfing

James Wilkinson, 17, was on top of a train bound for Melbourne when he came into contact with live wires at Caulfield Station just before 11pm. The train driver immediately stopped and police and paramedics were called to the scene. Unfortunately WIlkinson was already deceased by the time paramedics arrived. This tragic incident comes only two days after police condemned the activity as a result of rising popularity on the Gold Coast, Queensland.

Ambulance Victoria spokeswoman Susannah Wilson said paramedics climbed to the top of the train to assess the situation. Paramedics had to wait in order to safely reach the Australian teen, as the danger presented by the live wires was significant. The 17-year-old was on top of the train. Unfortunately, Ms Wilson said that he was in quite a dangerous position and they had difficulty reaching him to begin with unfortunately. Wilkinson died instantly at the scene, long before paramedics arrived.

On a Facebook page dedicated to train surfing, the teen wrote last year: "I am the kelly slater of train surfing". The Facebook page, promoting the dangerous sport, says train surfing "provides an alternative to staring at other commuter's gloomy faces ... It is a distraction from all related rush hour discomforts and the feeling being crammed onto a carriage. The thrill is surfing as many stations as you can Record your experiences and achievements here for others to admire and challenge. If you dare... try it... why don't you surf your train TODAY."

It was unclear if he was train surfing on his own at the time. Last year, three teenagers who were photographed train surfing in Melbourne's south-east were labelled "stupid" by authorities, who warned they were dancing with death. The trio was photographed by a commuter as they clung to the back of a Cranbourne-bound train at Hughesdale station. The passenger said the boys were aged about 13 or 14 and had screamed abuse at him as they realised he was taking a photograph. He said about 20 minutes later two more teens, carrying beers, had jumped on the back of a city-bound train at the station. At the time, police said the teenagers were "coupling riding", which was "known for its self-evident mind-numbing stupidity".

Friends and family flocked to his Facebook page to farewell a "top bloke" who would never be forgotten. "Anyone who met you for more than a second is truly blessed," his older brother said. "I'd do anything for another minute with you. We will never forget you and you will always be in our hearts." A friend wrote: "This Kid was one of the happiest Dudes I've ever met. Gone To Soon brother. Condolences To Your Family And Close Friends." Another posted: "Rest in peace brother. One of the most top blokes I've ever met. I hope you have gone to a better place."

Police are attempting to discover both his motive for train-surfing, as well as what he was doing in the hours leading up to the incident. Currently, it is not believed that drugs or alcohol had come into play on the night of Wilkinson's death.