Charlene Pickering was hit by a train on Sunday after jumping on the tracks to retrieve her mobile phone.
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The family of the young mother killed when struck by a train at Wimbledon Station on Sunday have said their world has been shattered.
Charlene Pickering, 23, was hit by a 60mph Waterloo to Exeter express service around 7.30pm after jumping on the tracks to retrieve her mobile phone.
Tributes have been paid by family and friends to Miss Pickering, from Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, who leaves behind her four-year-old son Toby.
A family statement said: “Charlene was the light of our lives and with her infectious smile she brightened the world of all who knew her.
“[Toby] will fortunately have the support of his loving father Owen and his many family and friends to help him through this traumatic time.
“We wish to express our sincere gratitude for all the messages of sympathy and support at this sad time and respectfully ask for privacy whilst we come to terms with the devastating reality that our darling Charlene is gone.”
Miss Pickering, pronounced dead at the scene, had spent the afternoon watching Chelsea’s 4-0 FA Cup victory over Portsmouth at Stamford Bridge with her boyfriend Daniel Pickett.
Mr Pickett, who reportedly witnessed the horrific incident, paid tribute to her on Facebook.
He wrote: “I really am not looking forward 2 spending my life without you we had made so many plans and they have been so cruelly taken.
“I am so lucky to [have] had you in my life even though it was only nearly 4 months.”
Police are investigating whether the pair had an argument before Miss Pickering dropped her phone but are not treating her death as suspicious.
British Transport Police Chief Inspector Alison Evans said: “We believe at this stage that Charlene went onto the tracks to retrieve her mobile phone before being struck by the train.
“This appears to have been a tragic accident and our thoughts remain with her family and friends at this very difficult and sad time for them.”
The train involved was the South West Trains 7.15pm service. Express trains which do not stop at the station can pass through at up to 75mph.
A report is being prepared for the coroner.
