Coroner confirms PDRL player died at Padgate train station

Emergency services rushed to Padgate train station in Warrington shortly before 3pm on Tuesday, September 10.

Officers from British Transport Police and Cheshire Police were in attendance at the railway line off Station Road South, with more than half a dozen police vehicles visible.

Paramedics from North West Ambulance Service and crews from Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service were also present at the scene.

Sadly however, officers confirmed that a person had been pronounced dead at the scene, and that the incident is not being treated as suspicious.

An inquest was opened into the death at Warrington Coroner’s Court on Wednesday, where it was confirmed that the deceased is Michael Addison.

The 45-year-old was a valued member of Warrington Wolves’ physical disability rugby league team.

In a statement in the days following his death, the club’s charitable foundation, where Michael was a volunteer, announced his passing "with a very heavy heart".

As well as achieving Grand Final success with The Wire, Addison also helped England lift the inaugural PDRL World Cup in 2022 in a tournament played entirely in Warrington.

“Mike was one of a kind, always the one laughing and joking with anyone and everyone he met,” the foundation’s tribute read.

“Being that person you went to if you needed anything, wearing the badge with pride, he really embodied what it meant to be a Wire.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Sian, Jackson, Rowan, Millie and all his friends and family.”

New Zealand PDRL also posted a tribute to their Facebook page, saying they were "truly grateful" to have met and competed against him at the PDRL World Cup.

Emergency services in attendance at Padgate railway station

Warrington Coroner’s Court heard how the Orford resident died at the scene.

A coroner officer requested that an inquest be opened due to the cause of death being unnatural.

They also requested that the inquest be adjourned after being opened to allow for further work to be completed.

Victoria Davies, area coroner for Cheshire, said: “Given the circumstances, there is an unnatural cause of death.

“I am going to formally open an inquest into the death of Michael Addison and adjourn for a resumed inquest on February 25, 2025.”

There will be an internal case review by the coronial service on November 24.

On the day of the incident, a spokesman for British Transport Police said: “Officers were called to Padgate railway station at 2.51pm on Tuesday, September 10, to reports of a casualty on the tracks.

“Paramedics also attended, however sadly a person was pronounced dead at the scene.

“The incident is not being treated as suspicious and a report will be prepared for the coroner.”

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