A Tragic Night Ends in Heartbreak
On a fateful night in April, the football community and beyond were left reeling from the loss of Olaoluwa Daranijo, a talented player known affectionately as Laolu. The 26-year-old’s life was cut short in a tragic accident at Stone Crossing Station in Greenhithe, just hours after he sent a final, heartfelt message to his girlfriend. Laolu, a Crayford local, had been out in London and was on his way home when he missed his stop, ending up at the wrong station. In a desperate attempt to get back on track, he tried to cross the train tracks to reach the London-bound platform, a decision that ultimately led to his electrocution. The inquest at Oakwood Park in Maidstone detailed the final moments of his life, painting a poignant picture of a young man who was only trying to get home.
The Final Moments Captured by CCTV
CCTV footage from the train provided a chilling glimpse into Laolu’s last moments. The footage showed him sitting close to a toilet on the carriage, a quiet and reserved figure just moments before his life took a tragic turn. According to British Transport Police (BTP) constable Claire Duggan, Laolu had missed his stop for Crayford and ended up at Stone Crossing Station. It was here that he made the critical decision to cross the tracks, a move that cost him his life. At 12:13 AM on April 6, Laolu’s body was found on the tracks, a tragic end to a night that started with the promise of returning home safely. Constable Duggan suggested that Laolu had been trying to reach the London-bound side to get back home, a goal that he tragically never achieved.
A Life Cut Short
Laolu’s life was a testament to his multifaceted talents and character. He was not only a gifted footballer but also a dedicated accountant. His journey in football was marked by significant achievements, including his time at Drexel University School of Education in Philadelphia in 2020 and his earlier years at Peddie School in New Jersey, where he helped the team secure a state title in 2016. Laolu was from Nigeria but had recently been living in Crayford, where he was a cherished member of the community. At the time of his death, he was playing for Cobham FC in Surrey, a club that mourned the loss of an “outstanding player, a humble teammate, and a cherished member of the club family.” His exceptional ability, vision, pace, and calmness in front of goal made him a constant threat on the field, but it was his character that truly set him apart.
A Life Remembered
The outpouring of tributes following Laolu’s death reflected the profound impact he had on those around him. One loved one described him as “a quiet light in all our lives – reserved, yet deeply loved and effortlessly admired.” Laolu’s calm strength, kindness, and sincerity left an indelible mark on everyone he met. Another friend mourned, “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.” These tributes painted a picture of a young man who, despite his achievements, remained humble and focused, always putting his team and community first. His loss was a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment.
The Club’s Tribute
Cobham FC’s tribute to Laolu was a poignant expression of the club’s deep sorrow and respect for their fallen teammate. They described him as “an outstanding player, a humble teammate, and a cherished member of the club family.” His ability on the field was exceptional, but it was his character that truly set him apart. The club noted, “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.” Laolu’s presence on and off the pitch was a source of joy and inspiration, and his legacy continues to inspire those who knew and loved him.
A Community in Mourning
The news of Laolu’s death sent shockwaves through the football community and beyond. His family, friends, and teammates were left devastated by the sudden and tragic loss. Despite the pain, they found solace in the memories and the impact Laolu had on their lives. His final message to his girlfriend, sent just before midnight, was a painfully poignant reminder of the life he was eager to return to. While the circumstances of his death were tragic, the love and respect he earned throughout his life were a testament to the kind of person he was. Laolu’s story is a sobering reminder of the importance of safety and the impact one individual can have on a community. His legacy will live on through the memories of those who knew him and the inspiration he continues to provide for future generations of footballers.
