"Kelly Slater of train surfing" dies at 17

January 26, 2012 | Surfing
Train surfing: riding deadly lines

"I'm the Kelly Slater of train surfing". The author of these words, a 17-year-old young boy, has lost his life while riding on top of a train, in Australia.

James Wilkinson was train surfing on the roof of a city-bound train on the Pakenham line, in Melbourne, when the accident happened. He died of electrocution.

"We think there were about five people in the carriage that he was with at Caulfield station, and no doubt there was alcohol involved and the risk-taking kicks in and the rest is history", his father said.

The popular, dangerous and illegal activity is practiced close to overhead power lines. There were more teens train surfing at the same time.

James Wilkinson enjoyed taking risks in the past and loved the wild side of life. Recently, he got a job as an apprentice builder and had been working up to 12 hours a day.

Local authorities have announced tougher penalties for train surfing in Melbourne.