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A DISTRAUGHT father-of-one killed himself by stepping in front of a train driven by his ex-girlfriend on Tuesday.

Gary Wells, 36, died instantly when the train, driven by Diane MacDonald, 29, hit him on the West Highland Line at Inverlochy, near Fort William.

The couple had split-up just three weeks ago and friends said the pair had been in a long term relationship.

Miss MacDonald, who was the first female driver on the Highland Line, was so distraught following the collision that she required sedation.

At the time of the accident Miss MacDonald had been driving from Mallaig to Queen Street.

A friend, who did not want to be named, said: “Gary was a nice guy. He and Diane were like peas in a pod. They were together for eight or nine years and split up a few weeks ago. I can’t believe he did this. I heard Diane had to be sedated.

“It’s so sad. He loved spending time with his son Lewis. His weekends were devoted to him.”

A statement from Scotrail on behalf of Miss MacDonald said: "The circumstances are extremely upsetting for everyone involved.”

British Transport Police confirmed they are investigating the incident.

A spokesman said: “We were called to a rail crossing in Inverlochy, Fort William, shortly before 8am on Tuesday, August 19, to a report that a man had been struck by a train.

“Colleagues from Police Scotland and Scottish Ambulance Service also attended, but a 36-year-old man from the Fort William area was pronounced dead at the scene.

“His death is currently not being treated as suspicious. The man’s family have been informed. A report will be sent to the Procurator Fiscal.”