The devastated family of a teenager who died in a crash believe his heart restarted after 27 minutes so his organs could be donated.

Tyrese Quigley (Né Goldsmith) died after he was involved in a collision with a car in Ashford.

His mother, Denise Goldsmith, explained the 18-year-old's heart stopped after the crash but she believes he managed to start it up.

She said: "We feel that he managed to start it up again just so that he could give others life.

"We feel that it's what he would have wanted. We were gifted with 18 wonderful years with him, hopefully now he can give others the gift of time.

"We are all devastated. And so are so many people – we've had messages from countless people who we don't know but who knew him in some respect.

"They've all been saying how lovely he was, polite and fun to be around, I think it really shows just how much he's touched the lives of everyone around him."

Kristina Curtis reports from the scene

The tragic incident outside the New Fox Inn in Willesborough happened just before 10pm on Monday, when a Honda Civic and Tyrese's moped collided.

Pubgoers gave the young man CPR, and he was transferred to King's Hospital in London where he was then placed on life support with severe head trauma.

His family made the heartbreaking decision to turn off the support yesterday and his organs will be donated to help others.

An avid football fan, Tyrese supported Manchester United and used to play for Bromley Green in the youth league.

The club paid tribute to their former player and passed on condolences to his family via their website yesterday.

Mrs Goldsmith explained: "He was a great player and got a fair few offers to play for different teams, but decided he wanted to go into the army.

"He was in the middle of applying when the pandemic hit, and then reconnected with his girlfriend who he absolutely adores, and so said he would rather wait for a few years".

The former North School pupil, who was one of 18 siblings, was described as a "family man who would do anything for love".

"He absolutely lived for his family and friends," his mother said. "They were the best motivators for him.

"One of the best recent examples was the care he took of his brothers and sisters during lockdown, to allow me to work to bring money it.

"He didn't even complain once, that was the kind of man he was – he just loved his family."

Flowers have been left in tribute to the popular teenager and a fundraising appeal has been set up for the family.

The campaign has already raised more than £2,500. You can donate to the fundraiser by clicking here.

Read more: All the latest news from Ashford