Teynham teenager named as biker, 17, killed in fatal crash in Tonge near Sittingbourne
The family of a teenage biker who died in a fatal crash on a country lane have called him the "kindest of souls". The 17-year-old, known as Oli, was out with his friends getting bits for a BBQ when tragedy struck in Lower Road, Tonge, near Teynham.
Speaking to KentOnline, his heartbroken mum, Joanne Tarvit, said something needs to be done to make the road safer. Back in August 2014, while pregnant with Oli's younger brother Jack, Joanne, aged 28 at the time, veered into a field after being involved in a smash along the road.
Tragically, 12 years on, the same stretch of road claimed the life of her son.[1] "It is extremely dangerous," she explained. "This was an unbearable accident. Having had my own accident there, it shouldn't be a 60.
"We'll do everything we can to fight this until something has been changed.
It's far too dangerous. Joanne, 42, had to be induced and give birth a week early. The Vauxhall Zafira she was travelling in with her one-year-old daughter went into the field after it was in a smash with a Mitsubishi van.
Paying tribute to Oli, she said: "He was the kindest of souls.
He was our real-life BFG. "He loved biking, football and barbecuing. He really enjoyed the outdoors with his loving father, and he was a huge animal lover and spent a lot of his time helping with my horses.
"He was the best of friends to so many. May Oli rest now. Forever 17."
The teenager was one of six siblings and three step-siblings. An inquest opening held in Maidstone on Wednesday (May 6) heard the youngster, who was living in Minster on Sheppey at the time, was struck by a blue VW Transporter at 5pm on Saturday, April 25, while riding along Lower Road on the bend.
Oli, who went to Teynham Primary and then the Abbey School in Faversham, sadly died at the scene. His father, Tim Crowther, told KentOnline: "It's absolutely diabolical.
That road shouldn't be 60mph. "He had everything going for him. He had a good job doing loft conversions, and in the last year, he was living his best life.
It's all so sad."
Following the crash, tributes appeared online and at the scene of the crash. Accompanied by flowers and cans of Guinness near the junction with Hempsted Lane, one note said: "Oliver, taken far too soon. Love you, my darling."
While another added: "Our dearest boy.
We loved you so much. We will always remember you." One post on a memorial page online read: "To our Oliver.
You are missed more than you will ever know. A true gentleman taken too soon. Rest easy, our very BFG."
A second wrote: "Oliver, I still remember you as a tiny baby, seems like only yesterday. Taken far, far too soon.
"They say he only takes the best to become his angels. Shine bright Oli."
Another person commented: "You were one of the closest people to me. We watched shows, movies, and played games for hours on end. I love you.
Fly high."
Picture: Facebook
A large group of motorcyclists will escort Oliver to his funeral on Thursday, May 21. Sharing a picture of the teenager online with the details, a poster said: "Always in our hearts. Forever in our memories.
Ride in our hearts until we meet again." It added that it hoped to see as many people as possible join the escort and that anti-social behaviour would not be tolerated.
Police are appealing for information about the crash. No arrests have been made in connection with the incident.
Anyone who might have seen, or who might have seen the vehicles beforehand, is being urged to contact the police. Dashcam footage can be uploaded to the public portal link via this link[2]. Witnesses should call 01622 798538 or email [email protected] using the reference HW/DH/034/26.
A full inquest into the death will be held on November 2.
References
- ^ claimed the life of her son. (premium.kentonline.co.uk)
- ^ via this link (kep.uk.evidence.com)