TRIBUTE has been paid to a retired lawyer who died after being hit by a train near Kildwick level crossing.

Bohdan Chalawka, 60, was pronounced dead at the scene when he was struck at around 7.50pm on Monday, October 8.

This week a former colleague at Bradford law firm Lumb and Macgill said everyone had been “stunned” by his death.

“Boge – as he was known – was a popular figure in the law community,” said Phil Ainge, a partner at the company.

He had been a colleague of Mr Chalawka for over 35 years, and a friend since childhood.

“He was very highly respected in the legal community and had a high reputation among the judges – many of whom have rung and expressed their sympathies,” said Mr Ainge.

“We were very lucky to have Boge, and I cannot speak too highly of him.”

Mr Chalawka, a single man, was a music lover and was also interested in astronomy and science.