The death of three graffiti artists killed by train in London: Jack Gilbert, 23 (left), Alberto Fresneda Carrasco, 19 (middle), and Harrison Scott-Hood, 23 (right). Photo: Photograph: British Transport Police/PA.

ART NEWS

The three graffiti artists killed by a freight train in London is a reminder of the dangers street artists face in their pursuit of creative excellence and fame.

BY KAZAD

LONDON—The danger faced by graffiti artists as they go about creating amazing artwork came to the fore Monday in South London when three graffiti artists were struck and killed by a freight train. The incident happened just before dawn in Loughborough Junction. The three graffiti artists are well known in the London street art community as Kbag, Lover, and Trip. Their real names are Jack Gilbert, 23, Alberto Fresneda Carrasco, 19, and Harrison Scott-Hood, 23.

Bodies of Three Graffiti Artists Found

The bodies of the graffiti artists were discovered by British Transport Police shortly after 7.30 am on June 18, 2018. There were spray cans close by where the bodies were discovered.  Still, in their teens and early 20s, speculations are that the dead graffiti artists went out early to create works of art when the incident happened.

In addition to photographing the spray cans, the officers at the scene also took photographs of graffiti as part of their investigation. Their families and next of keen were later informed about their death.

Investigation Continues

Superintendent Matthew Allingham who is part of the investigation said it was too early to comment on the death of the three men, especially since the train that hit them had not been identified. However, he explained that their deaths are being treated as “unexplained.” A major focus of the investigation is how the men came to be on the rail where they were hit and killed.   “Our investigation is focusing on how and why the men came to be on the tracks in the early hours of this morning,” Allingham said.

Although the bodies of the dead graffiti artists were found at about 7.30 am, there were indications that they were killed hours before.  “We know they were dead for a while before we turned up. It is a possibility that it was during the hours of darkness, that’s why it wasn’t reported earlier,” explained Allingham who added,  “We’re still trying to identify the train that actually hit the individuals.”

Other Graffiti artists have identified the area as a hotspot for graffiti artists in spite of the danger posed by fast coming trains. In addition to access, they also point to the high visibility provided for the appreciation of their work.

Celebrating the Dead Graffiti Artists

The death of the three graffiti artists was a shock for many in the London street art community. Since the announcement, many people, especially from the London street art community, have been paying condolences and tribute to the dead graffiti artists. Graffiti magazine Frontline is celebrating the artists on its Instagram page. “An awful thing to happen, my condolences go out to anyone who knew them and to their families. A cold reminder of just how dangerous it is out there. Stay safe people,” wrote one commentator.

In addition to celebrating the works of the three young men who were killed on Monday, some use the opportunity to remember the deaths of 21-year-old Bradley “Ozone” Chapman and 19-year-old Daniel “Wants” Elgar, who was struck by a District line train while running away from police in 2007.

Others have also been paying tribute to the dead artists. London mayor Sadiq Khan sent his condolences, saying: “My heart goes out to the families of the three people killed at Loughborough Junction station. City Hall is in close contact with the British Transport Police, who are urgently investigating this incident.”

The parents of the dead graffiti artists have also been paying tribute to their dead sons.  Susie and Perry, the parents of Harrison Scott-Hood spoke of him glowingly. They describe Harrison, who was 23 and from Muswell Hill in north London, as an intelligent and wonderful son. Harrison, they said, was a beautiful artist with many friends.  In a statement, the family could not hide their shock:

“We are completely heartbroken by the loss of our only son, Harrison. He was the love of our life, a kind, and beautiful young man and we were beyond broken by this news.

“Many people will know Harrison loved to travel, he was a beautiful artist and spent time recently traveling around Vietnam and Cambodia. Harrison completed us. He is irreplaceable and we will hold the memories of him dearly.”

Alberto Fresneda Carrasco, a 19-year-old Spanish-American who lived in north London, had great dreams explained his parents. A lover of fashion,  Alberto was due to begin studying graphic design at the London College of Communication in September.

His grief-stricken parent could not hide the shock of losing their son: “With great pain, we have received the news of the death of our son … We believe the three were hit by a train when they were painting graffiti late at night in a particularly dangerous place. His absence has left a deep hole in the family. His death had “left a deep hole”’, they said.

Jack Gilbert, 23, from Muswell Hill, north London is the third victim. His family also continues to mourn his loss.

Brian Cooke Berated for Insensitivity

However, even as people are remembering the three dead graffiti artists, there are those who see them as vandals causing the government so much money.  One of such is Brian Cooke, a former Transport for London chairman. Soon after the death of the three men was announced, Cooke took to Twitter and  asked: “Why do BBC News keep referring to the guys killed at Loughborough Junction as graffiti ‘artists’ they are no such thing they are common scum and criminals who cost the railway millions and keep fares high.”

People were quick to respond to Cooke’s comment, describing it as insensitive. “What a horrible & disgraceful thing to say. They’re people’s sons, show some respect,’ a commentator said. Another berated him for his callousness; ‘Three lives lost, undoubtedly a traumatized train driver… shame on you for such reckless and thoughtless comments and opinion on a tragedy spare a thought for their families before you type!

Cooke is not new to controversies. He was suspended early this year by Tories for calling a rival a ‘two-faced slut’. He was also sacked as chairman of the London Transport Users Committee for ‘inappropriate political activity.’

 Dangerous Adventures of Graffiti Artists

The death of the three graffiti artists points to the immense danger street artists go through to achieve fame and popularity. While street artists like Banksy, Joan Mitchel Basquiat, Keith Haring, and many others have made names for themselves, many others have died trying to actualize their dreams. The three dead graffiti artists are a reminder of those who have died in their search for fame and glory in dangerous places.

Are you a graffiti artist? Tell us about the danger you face as you go about creating your art. Share your thoughts and comments.