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The family of a teenage boy who died after taking psychoactive pills and falling onto a live rail line have spoken out to raise awareness of the drug's misuse.
George Buckley stumbled onto the tracks and was hit by a train at Swanscombe station on Sunday, September 8.
At the inquest into the Northfleet Technology College pupil's death at Archbishop's Palace, Maidstone, yesterday it was confirmed he died from electrocution.
Toxicology reports revealed how George had taken tablets containing alprazolam, sold under the trade name Xanax – an anxiety medication often used as a recreational drug – before losing his balance and falling onto the rails.
The body of the 15-year-old, of Park Close, Gravesend, was found underneath a train which had come to a stop.
His family paid tribute to the "caring and funny" boy who was "football mad and obsessed by his Xbox".
A statement read: "Although today’s hearing provides us with the full detail of the tragic events that led up to the accidental death of my son.
"It gives us no comfort to know that he was experimenting for the first time with the drug Xanax; and being a teenage boy, didn’t approach anyone to discuss its consequences.
"It feels like another life lost that could have been avoided with better information.
They said they were aware the chance of securing a prosecution for those who sold the drugs "were slim" but hoped lessons could be learnt to prevent this from happening to someone else.
"The suppliers of the Xanax will have to live with the fact that their actions were a significant contributing factor to George’s tragic death.
"We and George’s friends do not want his death to be in vein. If it can happen to George it can happen to anyone."
The family called for "more open, informed conversations with children at home and in education facilities about drugs and the consequences".
"If George’s death can stop one child from taking drugs then other families will not have to endure the pain and suffering we are on a daily basis."
Xanax is available on prescription but pills can be purchased from street dealers and the dark web for as little as £1.
Common side effects include drowsiness, tiredness and dizziness.
George is said to have taken the tablets with friends in Broomfield Park.
Coroner Roger Hatch heard the boy had been experimenting with the drug in the weeks leading up to his death.
A review of the station's CCTV showed the teenager's final movements as he got up "unsteadily on his feet" and looked across the track before falling forward.
He sustained fatal burns and laid motionless until he was struck by an oncoming train travelling at 30mph, 18 minutes later. The teenager was alone at the time.
Tributes were paid to the pupil from his school and flowers and candles were laid at the train station.
Following yesterday's inquest his family said: "We can’t imagine life without him and will miss him forever, as a family we are strong but struggling.
"There’s not a morning, afternoon or evening that goes by without us all thinking about George.
"He was a big personality in our home and he has left a massive hole. He will always be in our hearts and will never be forgotten."
For more information on why we cover inquests, click here.
