by Adam Williams

awilliams@thekmgroup.co.uk

A popular builder was killed as he walked home from new year’s celebrations with his wife.

Michael Cox, 46, died when he was hit by a van on Eddington Lane, Herne Bay, just over an hour into 2012.

Earlier, the self-employed builder and his wife of six years, Beverley, had seen in the new year together at The Heron pub nearby. As they walked home together to Wye Green, tragedy struck at 1.10am.

Michael was hit by a white Ford Transit van and died at the scene. Beverley suffered minor injuries and was treated at Margate’s QEQM Hospital.

In a statement, Beverley described the devastation of her loss.

She said: “He was the love of my life. My soulmate, my best friend.
“We did everything together.”

Between them the couple had 10 children, five each from their first marriages.

His daughter Becca, 22, and sons Michael, 21, Jack, 20, Ben, 18 and Jordan, 16, live in Old Wives Lees, near Canterbury.

They last saw their father on Boxing Day, when they celebrated Christmas together with their grandmother.

Becca said: “It just doesn’t seem real. We can’t believe he’s gone.

“He would do anything for anyone, he wasn’t judgemental, didn’t have a bad bone in his body, and was truly one in a million.

“For me, new year’s will never be the same again.”

Jack added: “He was like a big kid and would have far more fun setting up toys on Christmas Day than any of the children.

“He loved socialising and going out and was very much a people person.”

One of four children, Michael was born in Canterbury and attended the city’s Frank Hooker School (known today as Canterbury Academy). His sister, Sue Thomas, is the current Lady Mayoress of Canterbury.

Brother-in-law and Lord Mayor, Cllr Ian Thomas (pictured right), described the family’s shock.

He said: “We’re all absolutely devastated.

“It’s so unexpected, you get absolutely no time to prepare yourself for the news. He was there one minute and gone the next.”

The family are yet to make any funeral arrangements.

A 23-year-old man from Herne Bay was arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. He has been released on bail until Monday, March 26.

Officers from Kent Police's Serious Collision Investigation Unit continue to carry out investigations. Anyone with information is asked to call 01622 798538.

Read more reaction and tributes in this week's Kentish, Whitstable and Herne Bay Gazettes, out now.

Did you know Michael? Leave a tribute below.