An inquest has opened into the death of a young man who was killed in a crash on a country road.

Josh Alexander, 21, and Jessica Poole, 18 - who were understood to be expecting a baby boy together - died in the accident in Woodchurch, near Ashford, last week.

An inquest into Josh’s death was opened on Monday and heard he had been “driving a vehicle at speed” in Bethersden Road, Woodchurch, and then crashed at a junction. The exact speed was not given and there was no suggestion it was above the speed limit.

Police previously said the white Vauxhall Corsa the couple were in collided with a white DAF truck in Plurenden Road at about 5pm on Monday, June 5.

Sarah Clarke, area coroner for North East Kent, yesterday said a post-mortem examination had found that Josh, who lived in East Cross, Tenterden, died from multiple injuries.

The inquest at County Hall in Maidstone was adjourned until 10am on Monday, October 16.

Following the tragedy, tributes poured in to Josh and Jessica, who three months ago shared the exciting news they were to become parents this November.

Fitness fanatic Josh, who worked at Tenterden Leisure Centre, has been described as a young man who “brought the best out of everyone”.

His father, Ben Sissens, told KentOnline: “You were my first, my everything, my mini me, my heart, my soul and my proudest atchivement.

“This void I feel can never ever be filled, but I take some small comfort in the fact I had the privilege to call you my son.

“Rest now my darling, with your beautiful Jess and your baby boy. This is only a see you later, not goodbye”.

Friend Ben Wheeler posted on Facebook: "I have never met someone just as amazing, honest, kind and hardworking as you are.

"You deserved the world and deserved to be with Jess and your little boy.

"I hope all three of you are together in a better place. You’ll be forever missed."

Another friend, Michael Harmer, says Josh – who ran his own fitness firm – will be “loved and missed by absolutely everyone”.

“Rest in peace to the realest man that ever stepped into my life,” he wrote.

“You were a blessing to my life and everyone else’s - your light was radiant and you never failed to bring the best out of everyone.

“I am beyond grateful I got to call you my brother and share so many memories with you.”

Jess Pantry said it was “an honour to have known” Jessica, who was a horse lover and regularly shared photos of her enjoying her passion.

“Too young to have your life taken away from you so cruelly!” she wrote.

“Was an honour to have known you. Fly high sweetheart.

“Be with your partner, your baby, your dad and your pony. I hope Nellie comes galloping to greet you.”

Lina Atter added: “Rest in peace Jessica Poole, forever 18, and rest in peace Josh Alexander, forever 21. You both will be missed and loved by so many people.”

Josh and Jessica, who lived in Hastings, were pronounced dead at the scene after the crash.

Details of an inquest into Jessica’s death are not yet known.

Police have asked witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage to call 01622 798538 or email sciu.td@kent.pnn.police.uk, quoting MM/MD/059/23.