A FRIEND called for a popular mum and councillor to step away from railway tracks moments before she died, an inquest heard.

Pippa Whiteward died on October 29 last year, aged 36, after being hit by a train near South Woodham Ferrers station.

Pippa, survived by her husband and two young sons, worked at Marsh Farm and was a member of the South Woodham Amateur Theatre Society, as well as sitting on South Woodham Ferrers Town Council.

Coroner’s officer, David Dinnell, opened the inquest saying: “Pippa had been suffering from depression for a number of years. This had worsened and she was diagnosed with post-natal depression.”

Pippa was being treated at a facility in Winchester, as there were no spaces in Chelmsford, and was on weekend leave from the hospital at the time of her death.

Mr Dinnell continued: “She was seen by a woman who was walking her dogs near the train station. This lady knew Pippa from an amateur dramatic society.

“This lady called Pippa away from the tracks.”

However, Mrs Whiteward was hit by the train shortly afterwards.

Coroner, Caroline Beasley-Murray gave a verdict of suicide.

She said: “She clearly was a very capable and gifted lady. Seeing the family here it is clear she was much loved, bright, attractive, with a bright future in front of her as a wife, as a mother, and as a family member.

“I have to be sure that Pippa formed the intention to take a deliberate action knowing it would result in her death, and I am.”