Harrison Aylott was pronounced dead after British Transport Police and paramedics were called to reports of a casualty on a section of railway track in the north Cotswolds at 8pm on Monday, June 8.
The incident is not being treated as suspicious.
Harrison was in Year 11 at the Cotswold School in Bourton-on-the-Water, which he joined at the start of the year after attending Chipping Campden School.
A keen sportsman, he played for Stow-on-the-Wold Rugby Club’s under-16s squad during the last season.
‘Our beautiful boy was the light in our lives’
In a moving statement issued via the BTP, Harrison’s family, who also released a photo of him, said: “Our beautiful boy Harrison was the light in our lives and had everyone laughing within minutes of being in his company.
“His relationship with his brothers was so special and to see them laugh together brought us so much joy.
“We’ve had so many lovely messages from his friends telling us just how cherished he was by them and how much joy he brought to them all.
“Please continue to send any photos you have of our lovely boy – you have no idea how special they are to us right now.
Teen was ‘kindest boy with biggest heart’
“He was the kindest boy with the biggest heart, and while nothing will heal this pain, we will continue to carry him in our hearts forever and ever, and we encourage all who loved him to do the same and think of all the places he will go.
“Our dear boy, we love you so much.”
School issues tribute, with support offered to pupils
The Cotswold School issued the following statement: “Our thoughts and prayers are with Harrison’s family and friends, and with everyone affected by this sudden loss.
“This includes the students and staff at The Cotswold School and Chipping Campden School, where Harrison studied before joining us in January 2026.
“Harrison quickly became a valued member of our school community.
“He made friends with ease, embraced the opportunities available to him in Year 11 and brought warmth and positivity to those around him.
“He brightened our school, was a genuine pleasure to teach and is a student who will be remembered with great fondness by all who knew him.
“We will continue to provide care and support to the students and staff of our community during this incredibly-difficult time.
“Such a tragic event will impact people in different ways, and we will continue to put in place support for as long as is needed.
“We encourage you, as parents, to speak to your child about how they are feeling and that they can seek support from yourselves, the school and other professionals.
“We continue to be committed to supporting our community during this very difficult time.”
Rugby club heartbroken after tragedy
Stow-on-the-Wold Rugby Club described the news of Harrison’s death as ‘heartbreaking’.
“It is with great sadness that we learned on Tuesday morning of the passing of Harrison Aylott, a former member of last season’s Under-16s squad,” it said.
“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Harrison’s family, friends, teammates and everyone affected by this tragic loss.
“We recognise the death of a young person can have a profound impact on many people, often in different ways.
“As a club, we are committed to supporting anyone who may be struggling during this difficult time and encourage members of our rugby community to reach out if they need help or someone to talk to.
“Should anyone feel that additional support from external services would be beneficial, the club will do everything possible to help facilitate access to that support.
“The loss of a young life is heartbreaking, and we stand together as a club and rugby community to support one another through this incredibly-difficult period.”
