PREVIEW

WORDS BYLINE: Sean McPolin
A talented footballer died after he tried to cross the railway line to another platform, having missed his stop.
Laolu Daranijo was returning from a night out with friends in London when he was electrocuted at Stone Crossing station in Greenhithe in April.
The 26-year-old, from Crayford, had messaged his girlfriend just before midnight on April 5, telling her he was on his way home, an inquest at Oakwood Park in Maidstone heard on Wednesday.
British Transport Police (BTP) constable Claire Duggan told the hearing how CCTV on board the train only showed Mr Daranijo’s feet as he sat close to a toilet, but that it revealed he had missed his stop for Crayford and ended up at Stone Crossing, where he disembarked.
Ms Duggan detailed how, at 00.13am on April 6, Mr Daranijo’s body was found in the middle of the tracks between two platforms.
The police constable said she believed the accountant had been trying to cross to the other platform – the London-bound side – to get back home.
She told coroner Sarah Clarke that Mr Daranijo would not have been aware of where the exits for this station were and that even during daylight, it wasn’t straightforward.
A toxicology revealed Mr Daranijo had alcohol and cocaine in his system at the time of his death, but this did not contribute to his passing.
His cause of death was given as electrocution.
Dozens of people paid tribute to Mr Daranijo online at the time of his death.
One mourner wrote: “Laolu Daranijo was a quiet light in all our lives - reserved, yet deeply loved and effortlessly admired.
“Though he never sought attention, Laolu's presence was always felt.
“His calm strength, kindness, and sincerity left a mark on everyone he met. His memory will remain with us; not just in words, but in the quiet, powerful way he lived and loved.”
Another said: “Laolu was the epitome of the phrase 'calm, VERY cool, and collected human.' I can never get over this loss, but I’ll take solace in the memories we have.”
An accomplished sportsman, Mr Daranijo, he played football for Drexel University School of Education in Philadelphia in 2020.
Before that, he spent three years at Peddie School in New Jersey where he helped the team to a state title in 2016.
Originally from Nigeria, he most recently lived in Crayford.
At the time of his death, he was playing for Cobham FC in Surrey, who described him as “an outstanding player, a humble teammate, and a cherished member of the club family.”
It added: ”His ability was exceptional. Laolu possessed vision, pace, and a calmness in front of goal that made him a constant threat.
“Always respectful and grounded, Laolu never called any of the managers/coaches by name – only ever “Coach.”
“That small gesture said everything about his character: humble, focused, and team-first. He was a standout player, but more than that, he was a joy to be around on and off the pitch.
“He was a credit to and proud ambassador of his family.
“This devastating news reminds us all that football, for all its glory, comes second to love, friendship, kindness and support.
“Laolu was all of this. Let’s promise to honour Laolu by carrying forward his spirit.”