THE family of a young musician killed in a road accident have paid tribute to a “much-loved son and brother”.

Stephen Newman, 20, from Church Lane, Deal, who was studying for a music degree, died after his car hit a lorry parked in a lay-by off the A20 on Friday, April 29. The accident happened in fog.

Mr Newman's father Michael said that since his son’s death, he and his wife Bev and son Lawrence had discovered how much people liked Stephen.

“We have come to find out that he was very popular,” Mr Newman said. “He was a very loyal friend.”

Mr Newman, a former student at Deal Parochial School and Dover Boys’ Grammar School, was studying performance percussion at DrumTech, a music college in London, and was “first and foremost a drummer”, Mr Newman added.

Formerly with the band The Divide, he was also a member of groups Silent Minority and Rise of Raphia.

“He had a lust for life,” stressed his father. “His death was a tragic accident and we are thankful no one else was involved.”

Mr and Mrs Newman are now starting a fund to help other young musicians pay for tuition.

“We know Stephen would have wanted to share his passion with others,” Mr Newman said.

Donations made out to “Stephen’s Fund” can be sent to funeral directors J Dilnot-Smith at 183 Gladstone Road, Walmer.

Mr and Mrs Newman thanked the members of the emergency services and the hospital staff who had tried to save Stephen. They also expressed thanks to the police liaison service.

“We would also like to give our heartfelt thanks to all our family and friends for their ongoing love and support at this unhappy time,” the couple added.

Stephen’s funeral will be held tomorrow at 1.30pm at St George’s Church, Deal High Street.