Deal man Marshall Spelzini, 21, died after truck crashed into broken down road sweeper on A299 Thanet Way
A popular young footballer died after a lorry crashed into a broken-down road sweeper, which had stopped in the carriageway moments before the tragic collision. An inquest into the death of Marshall Spelzini opened this week and was told he was a passenger in the truck when it collided with the stationary vehicle on the A299 Thanet Way near St Nicholas-at-Wade.
The 21-year-old's death devastated his family and friends. Coroner Sarah Clark told the hearing at Oakwood House in Maidstone on Monday, a Fiat Ducato lorry was travelling along the dual carriageway towards London when it collided with a stationary Iveco Daily road sweeper.
She says the road sweeper had "encountered mechanical difficulties and broke down in the right lane" on the evening of Tuesday, February 25. Ms Clark added the cause of Mr Spelzini's death was severe traumatic head injuries. "There are ongoing criminal proceedings so an inquest opening date has not been listed," she added.
One of his former sides, Dover Rangers FC, says news of the tragedy has left them with a "squad full of heavy broken hearts".
"His infectious smile and cheeky personality will certainly be missed by all," the club added in a statement.
Mr Spelzini, who lived in Fox Road, Deal, also played for Dover Town Wanderers and Betteshanger FC, but more recently had returned to his boyhood team, Cinque Ports FC. The club posted: "I write this with a heavy heart after learning that one of our own has passed away. "After having some time away playing for Dover Rangers, he came back to be a vital member of our club and community.
Marshall was loved by all that knew him and he will truly be missed. "The club's thoughts and prayers are with his friends, family and partner Maisie, as well as the lads at Dover Rangers FC." Joanne Wall, Mr Spelzini's girlfriend's mother, described him as "the best son-in-law I can only ever dream of having".
"Our house is not the same without you here," she said. "You will never leave our hearts."
David Stapley said his death is a "massive loss not just for football but also as a human", describing him as "truly one in a million". Betteshanger FC described Marshall as "a big character who will be missed", revealing the club would hold a minute's silence before their game following his death.
Dover Town Wanderers added: "Hope you're kicking a ball around up there, keep shining lad, our love always." The crash shortly before 7pm on February 25 sparked a huge emergency response, with police, ambulance and fire crews sent to the scene, but crews were unable to save Mr Spelzini's life.
Police are urging witnesses to contact them and dashcam footage can also be uploaded on the Kent Police website.
Anyone with information should call 01622 798538, or email [email protected], quoting reference EW/LB/012/25.