Relatives of a young mother killed after jumping on railway tracks to retrieve her mobile phone said today "our world has been shattered".

Charlene Pickering, 23, was hit by an express train travelling at 60mph when she climbed down from a platform after dropping the handset.

She had been travelling home with her boyfriend after watching a Chelsea football match when she was hit by the 7.15pm London Waterloo to Exeter service on Sunday night.

Family members said they had lost the light of their lives in a statement issued through British Transport Police.

Relatives said: "Our world has been shattered by the tragedy that occurred on Sunday.

"Charlene was the light of our lives and with her infectious smile she brightened the world of all who knew her.

"She is survived by her four-year-old son Toby, who 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."

Chief Inspector Alison Evans said: "We believe at this stage that Charlene went on to 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."

Boyfriend Daniel Pickett paid tribute to Ms Pickering, from Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, on Facebook.

He posted a message on the social networking site saying: "If only heaven had a phone babygirl I would love to hear your voice just once more.

"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 investigators are preparing a report for the coroner, a BTP spokeswoman said.

A British Transport Police (BTP) spokesman said: "BTP and Metropolitan Police officers attended the incident, which was reported at 7.31pm and is being treated as non-suspicious.

"London Ambulance Service paramedics also attended but the woman, Charlene Pickering, aged 23 and from Walton-on-Thames, was pronounced dead at the scene."