Pictured: Father-of-two, 55, who was killed when his van was hit by a train in Lancashire

See more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred Source Published: 16:32 EDT, 3 September 2026 | Updated: 16:35 EDT, 3 September 2026 The family of a father killed by a train at a level crossing have shared a moving tribute – saying he will be missed 'more than words can say'.Simon Gettings, 55, was driving a delivery van over a manual crossing in Burscough, West Lancashire, on Saturday afternoon when the vehicle was struck by a Northern train.Emergency services attended but the father-of-two was pronounced dead at the scene.Two train passengers – travelling from Southport towards Wigan – were treated for minor injuries, with British Transport Police (BTP) launching an investigation following the incident.Mr Gettings' family have now paid tribute to him – describing him as a 'devoted' and 'loving' husband and father who others could always turn to.The family said: 'Simon was a devoted husband, a loving father of two, and a much-loved member of our family. His family meant everything to him, and he was at the centre of our world, someone we could always turn to, rely on, and share life's happiest moments with. 'The love Simon had for his wife and children was at the heart of everything he did, and the bond he shared with them was truly special. As an only child, Simon had recently cared for both his mother and father through dementia until their passing.'Simon was a well-known and valued member of his community in Southport, where he was known as an incredible neighbour and friend. Simon Gettings (pictured), 55, was driving a delivery van over a manual crossing in Burscough, Lancashire, on Saturday afternoon when the vehicle was struck by a Northern train'He was also a hugely accomplished and respected teacher in Southport, Liverpool and Blackpool. 'He was an inspiring teacher who went the extra mile again and again.' The family added Mr Gettings' loss would be felt by the 'countless families he supported and advocated for over the years' – describing how he took early retirement to spend more time with family.They said the father-of-two was a 'keen reader' with 'wide knowledge' and had an 'unmatched' sense of humour and sense of justice and humanity.The family concluded: 'Simon's tragic and untimely death has left an enormous void in the lives of all who knew and loved him. 'Words cannot fully express the pain of losing someone so deeply loved, but his memory will live on through his children, the love he gave so freely, and the countless cherished moments his family shared with him. 'He will be missed more than words can say, and the love Simon had for his family, and the love they will always have for him, will remain with them forever.'An investigation was launched by BTP immediately following the crash, with the train remaining in place for more than a day and other vehicles on the line suspended.