James Downie

Sergeant Downie was returning to his station at Dalry after policing the annual Merrymass races in Irvine. The train he boarded did not stop at Dalry but when it stopped for a signal at a junction near the town, Sergeant Downie took the opportunity to jump off, with the intention of walking back. It is thought he walked up the line to speak to the crew of the engine before leaving, but he was struck by an express train coming from Glasgow and was killed instantly.