East Malling crash victim named as boxer Tommy Dunn from Maidstone
Tributes have been paid to keen boxer “with a heart of gold” who died in a horror crash. Tommy Dunn was the passenger in a silver Vauxhall Astra when it collided with a grey Land Rover in Wateringbury Road, East Malling,[1] at around 7.45pm on Friday.
Maidstone man Tommy Dunn died after the car he was a passenger in crashed in Wateringbury Road, East Malling, on Friday, October 27. Picture: Facebook
The 32-year-old, from Maidstone[2], was pronounced dead at the scene, while a passenger in the other car was taken to a London hospital with serious injuries. Dozens of tributes have been paid to Tommy following his death, both online and in person where flowers, balloons and energy drinks have been left at the crash site.[3]
His sister Sammy-jo Dunn said: “My big brother I love you with all my heart. You was not only my brother, you was my father, my best friend.
“The best uncle that any little sister would wish for. My heart hurts so much, it don’t seem real.
You was just here eating dinner with Ronnie last night and taking my girl boxing today. “You was the main person in mine and my children’s lives. It don’t sit right with me, I won’t ever believe it.
Friends and family described Tommy Dunn as a big friendly giant. Picture: Facebook
Mr Dunn, from Maidstone, was a passenger in one of the cars which crashed. Picture: Facebook
“We were so close my Tom.
I’m so proud of you. You always are the one to tell me I’m a good mum and you’re proud of me, and I promise to keep making you proud. “My boy will be the boxer you want him to be.
I promise we are going to make you so proud. I can’t believe you’ve left me. I love you with all my heart.”
Tommy trained at TKO Maidstone in St Peter’s Street with Al Stevens, who praised him for always having time for people. He said: “Tommy boxed for me and trained with me for over the last year.
“He had overcome his demons, and had been doing great for year since he came to us at TKO. He was loved by everyone at the gym as he helped everyone from the youngest to the oldest.
Left to right: TKO Maidstone owner Al Stevens and boxer Tommy Dunn. Picture: Al Stevens
“Boxing was a real help for him and helped keep him healthy and positive – we helped him outside of the gym just as much as inside the gym.
“His death has affected everyone. As I said, everyone loved him. He had time for everyone.”
Kizzy Starling added: “I couldn’t bring my heart to believe the news, I didn’t want to believe it and even still I’m struggling to understand why why you of all people. “I’ve never had a best friend, brother, like you. You’ve stuck by me from day one, protected me, made me laugh, smile, told me your rubbish jokes, got me out the pub when I shouldn’t be there, kept me out of trouble and most of all made me feel safe.
“‘Never have fear when Tommy’s here’ as you used to say. That smile would light up a room you was doing so well and turned your whole life around and I’m so happy I got to see that. “Now I’m gonna make you proud my big friendly giant.
Stay smiling up there and I promise you’ll be proud.”
Kelly-Ann Morley said: “I’m literally speechless. Devastated doesn’t seem to cut it either.
“You done yourself proud. You never gave up regardless, I’m so proud of you.
You have a heart of gold.
Flowers and balloons at the crash scene
“The support you gave many was remarkable, including me. Miss you, God bless, sleep tight.” Tommy would often take part in boxing bouts and take to his social media page to offer advice on tackling mental health.
The driver of the Astra involved in the crash had left the scene when police arrived. Subsequently, a 32-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and bailed pending further inquiries. Officers are continuing to appeal for information and anyone who witnessed the incident, or who has relevant dashcam footage, is urged to call Kent Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 01622 798538 or email [email protected], quoting reference SM/SC/117/23.[4]
Footage can also be submitted through the force’s online portal.
References
- ^ East Malling, (www.kentonline.co.uk)
- ^ Maidstone (www.kentonline.co.uk)
- ^ flowers, balloons and energy drinks have been left at the crash site. (www.kentonline.co.uk)
- ^ [email protected] (www.kentonline.co.uk)