Family pays tribute to a 'wonderful' son and brother

Hannah Shroot • Published 15 Jun 2012 10:00 3 Comments

THE devastated family of a young man hit by a train have paid tribute to a 'wonderful' son and brother who lived for tennis.

Jack Groves, of Minton Rise, Taplow, died on Tuesday after being hit by a train in Maidenhead.

The 24-year-old's heartbroken parents, Rob and Kim Groves, said the former Burnham Upper (now Burnham Park Academy) student had played tennis since the age of 10 and the sport was his life.

Speaking about his beloved son, who had recently started vounteering as a coach at Burnham Youth Club, Mr Groves said: "He just wanted to give something back to the kids, that's just what he was like. Nobody had a bad word to say about him."

His sister Coral, 27, said: "He was a gentle, caring boy with a heart of gold."

After completing a Diploma at Amersham and Wycombe College, Jack qualified as a professional tennis coach,

and had been coaching at Stoke Park for around two years.

As a teenager, he had played tennis at a county level, and also played with James Ward and Chris Eaton, who are ranked second and tenth in the UK respectively.

Jack's grief-stricken father said: "Everyone has said to us the world will be a sadder place without him.

"Nobody will know what was going through his mind but he was just too good for this place."

Vice-principal of Burnham Park Academy, Sharon Yardley, who was Jack's ICT teacher, said: "Jack was an absolutely delightful pupil who had grown into a wonderful young man.

"We are extremely sad to hear this news and our thoughts and feelings go out to his family and friends."

A British Transport Police (BTP) spokesman confirmed BTP officers were called to the line close to Maidenhead railway station at around 10pm on Tuesday after a man

was struck by a train. South Central Ambulance Service medics also attended, but the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

The train involved was the 8.30pm service from Bristol to Paddington.

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• 

  gemma1234
  1 post
  Jun 15, 21:04
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  Jack , I am truly gutted at this news. I will never forget you. You were one of the sweetest and most genuine guys I'd ever had the privilege of meeting , through lent rise and Burnham upper. You was a lovely person , your beautiful eyes matched your personality.
  
  I hope you get the peace you deserve x my thoughts and love go to your family x rest in peace Jack Groves xxxxxxxx
  
  Recommend?   Yes 16     No 0

• 

  MNorris2012
  1 post
  Jun 16, 18:30
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  Im gonna miss you buddy, yes you was the nicest guy I had ever met, after been introduced to by Deeps, who played a lot of tennis with you, and my own friends always spoke highly of you, you was always smiling, which made everyone else smile to, everything you did, you was such a Angel at it, now your in the right place.. home with the Angels, My thought to Coral, his parents and loved ones, Rest in peace Jack Grove, God Bless. X
  
  Recommend?   Yes 11     No 1

• 

  sadjbid
  1 post
  Jun 18, 23:29
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  Jack, you were the best tennis coach I could've asked for and it is a tragedy to hear of this, you were one of the most genuine people I know and you were such a great laugh too. You are in a better place now and everyone who knows you could never have a bad word to say about you.
  
  RIP Jack Groves X
  
  Recommend?   Yes 3     No 0

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