Devon’s ambulance service has confirmed two of its employees have suddenly died within days of each other.

On Wednesday a 46-year-old was hit by a train near Exmouth station. He is believed to have been either a student paramedic or an ambulance technician.

The father worked for South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) and was based in Exmouth.

The second death was a woman in Cornwall, believed to be a student paramedic, who reportedly passed away on Monday. It has not been confirmed how she died.

In a memo sent by SWASFT to staff yesterday about the Exmouth collleague death it said: “It is with deepest sadness that we write to inform you of the tragic news that our friend and colleague, based at Exmouth, died yesterday afternoon.

“We know this will come as a great shock to you all, and our sympathy and thoughts are with his family and friends at this very difficult time.

“We apologise that we have not been able to announce this news earlier, but you will appreciate that we have had to ensure the family were fully supported and their wishes prioritised at this time.

“Many of you knew him well and we understand that you will be upset and shocked by this terrible news. We would therefore like to extend the support of whole trust and remind you of the welfare service available.”

Among the options open to staff was seeing a Red Poppy counsellor who will be at the ambulance trust station today.

Amy Beet, SWASFT executive director of people and culture, said: “We are deeply shocked and saddened at learning of the sudden deaths over recent days of two of our colleagues from different localities across our trust area.

“Our thoughts and feelings are with their families and friends, and our focus is on supporting them as they come to terms with these tragic events.”