A friend has paid tribute to a man who died after being hit by a train in the run up to Christmas.

Louis Priest, 59, of Forest Gate, is suspected of committing suicide at Leyton Station on December 17

His friend of 20 years, Chris Gryce, said Mr Priest was undergoing treatment for depression, supported by friends who would "miss him very much". 

Mr Gryce, 67, of Cricklewood, said: “He was very serious and very intelligent. 

"He had a deep interest in history and he read a lot.

“We had differing political views but we used to have deep conversations on different topics – putting the world to rights. 

"His opinions, even if I did not agree, were well researched and well argued.

“He obviously thought he made no contribution to this world, that his life was of no consequence, but I beg to differ.

“We miss him very much. He did make an impact, in his own way.”
Mr Priest was said to have lost his father 18 months before his own death.

“We had last met up in November. I regret that I didn’t have the foresight to meet up with him in December," Mr Gryce added.

“I was expecting him to call, as he often did, but the call didn’t come.

“It was a tremendous shock. We are still in shock now.”

An inquest into the death is expected to take place later this year.