THE dean of the business school at Oxford Brookes University stepped into the path of a moving train because he was tormented by the fear he would die of an incurable disease.

Simon Williams died of multiple injuries at about 6am on December 6 last year, just outside Radley Station.

The father-of-two had grown depressed after learning he could have Sjogren's syndrome, an inquest at Oxford Coroner's Court was told this week.

Mr Williams, 53, of The Avenue, Kennington, first visited his GP, Dr Linda Jones, in March last year after he developed a sore left eye.

For the next eight months he saw a variety of doctors at the Kennington Health Centre, including Dr Jones, during which time he was prescribed anti-depressants.

He also saw a specialist who said he could have Sjogren's syndrome.

Mr Williams was prescribed various treatments, but they did not help and he became increasingly concerned about his health, said Dr Jones.

Colleague Professor Roger Mumby-Croft said his friend was depressed about the uncertainty of what was wrong with him.

He said: "In a sense nothing seemed to be making a difference to the condition.

"In my mind there was no intention to take his own life he was besotted with his wife and daughters."

But witness to the accident, Gavin Sharp, said: "I saw a figure come out of the darkness into the middle of the railway track. He looked at me then turned his back and was hunched over with his arms clenched. I've got no doubt in my mind that that was deliberate."

Assistant deputy coroner Dr Richard Whittington recorded a verdict that Mr Williams took his own life.