FAMILY and friends are mourning the death of a young driver whose car left the A2 and crashed into an orchard.

Richard Casson, 22, of Millfield Road, Faversham, was driving home from a works leaving-do when the tragedy happened. No other vehicles were involved.

His brother John, who lived with him, said the family were shocked by the death of the former pupil at Abbey School, Faversham, who had recently left the Army and worked as an HGV driver and worked as an HGV driver for Flogas in Sittingbourne.

The brother added: “He was young, lively and outgoing. He liked a laugh and a joke and he had just started getting into extreme sports. He had been out with friends from work because someone was leaving and he was on his way home.”

Friends and family placed dozens of floral tributes at the scene of the accident which happened in the early hours of Saturday, April 29.

Mr Casson was featured in the Faversham News as a teenager when he completed an Army preparation course with distinction. He served with 36 Engineers until 18 months ago.

Richard leaves his mother Kim Broad, father Nick Casson, stepfather Ian Broad and sisters Jessica Casson and Annmarie Evans as well as brother John Casson.

Friends are invited to the funeral at Medway crematorium on Thursday, May 11, at 11.40am.

Anyone who witnessed the tragedy or has any information that may help, is asked to contact the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 01622 798538.