THE FAMILY of a mother and son killed at Riddlesdown rail station have paid tribute to the pair.
Donna Oettinger, 41, and her son Zachary Oettinger, 3, died after being hit by a train during morning rush hour on Friday March 22.
Police are still investigating but say they have found no suspicious circumstances around the deaths of the pair, who lived together in Riddlesdown.
Their family today remembered Donna as a "devoted mother" to "full of fun" Zachary, whose father, Mohammed Nasr, lives in Egypt.
In a joint statement released through police, family members said: "Donna was a devoted mother, daughter, sister and auntie, who always had a big smile and a sparkle in her eyes.
"She was a single mum who loved and cared for her family and worked hard to provide and care solely for Zaki, who she worshipped.
"They had lots of fun and adventures together, travelling around the country, visiting friends and abroad to see Zaki's dad, who was unable to leave Egypt for various reasons.
"Our beloved darling Zaki - a very happy little boy full of fun and mischief - loved dancing to music, playing with his toys, going to playschool and spending time with Lisa, his childminder, while Donna was at work."
The family said Donna suffered from "severe anxiety," adding: "Our thoughts go out to sufferers and families of anxiety, an illness not to be underestimated."
They continued: "We wish to express our gratitude for all the help and messages we have received from families, friends, work colleagues and all of the people we have never even met
"Donna and Zaki were very much loved by family and friends, and, as a family, our hearts are in pieces."
Detective Chief Inspector Iain Miller, senior investigating officer, said police are preparing a file for the coroner.
He added: "A team of dedicated detectives have carried out a number of enquiries into the incident, including viewing CCTV from the station and surrounding area, and speaking to witnesses.
"Our thoughts remain with Donna and Zaki's family and friends at this sad and difficult time."
Officers are still urging anyone with information or who witnessed the incident, to come forward.
Call British Transport Police on Freefone 0800 40 50 40, quoting incident reference 104 of 22/03/2013.
Donna Oettinger, 41, and her son Zachary Oettinger, 3, died after being hit by a train during morning rush hour on Friday March 22.
Police are still investigating but say they have found no suspicious circumstances around the deaths of the pair, who lived together in Riddlesdown.
Their family today remembered Donna as a "devoted mother" to "full of fun" Zachary, whose father, Mohammed Nasr, lives in Egypt.
In a joint statement released through police, family members said: "Donna was a devoted mother, daughter, sister and auntie, who always had a big smile and a sparkle in her eyes.
"She was a single mum who loved and cared for her family and worked hard to provide and care solely for Zaki, who she worshipped.
"They had lots of fun and adventures together, travelling around the country, visiting friends and abroad to see Zaki's dad, who was unable to leave Egypt for various reasons.
"Our beloved darling Zaki - a very happy little boy full of fun and mischief - loved dancing to music, playing with his toys, going to playschool and spending time with Lisa, his childminder, while Donna was at work."
The family said Donna suffered from "severe anxiety," adding: "Our thoughts go out to sufferers and families of anxiety, an illness not to be underestimated."
They continued: "We wish to express our gratitude for all the help and messages we have received from families, friends, work colleagues and all of the people we have never even met
"Donna and Zaki were very much loved by family and friends, and, as a family, our hearts are in pieces."
Detective Chief Inspector Iain Miller, senior investigating officer, said police are preparing a file for the coroner.
He added: "A team of dedicated detectives have carried out a number of enquiries into the incident, including viewing CCTV from the station and surrounding area, and speaking to witnesses.
"Our thoughts remain with Donna and Zaki's family and friends at this sad and difficult time."
Officers are still urging anyone with information or who witnessed the incident, to come forward.
Call British Transport Police on Freefone 0800 40 50 40, quoting incident reference 104 of 22/03/2013.
