An inquest into the death of a man involved in an accident with a van on the A2 opened this morning.

Matthew Russell, 23, of Medhurst Gardens, Gravesend , was found dead on Gravesend East slip road on Monday, August 17, a hearing at Maidstone's County Hall heard.

Emergency services were called at around 11.25pm after the collision with a white Vauxhall Movano van.

The inquest heard how the Chatham -born resident's medical cause of death had still not been established.

The hearing was adjourned to be heard in full on Wednesday, December 9.

Following his death, he was named in an online tribute posted on behalf of his partner, parents, brothers and sisters.

His devastated partner, Rachel Golder, said he "touched so many hearts".

She added: "He was my best friend and partner in one and I am totally lost without him.

"We live in such a cruel world and until I can see Matt for one last time, I honestly still can't believe it."

One friend of the victim said: "He was honestly one of the most happiest boys I’ve known. He’s going to be missed; just the way he smiled and laughed and made everyone’s day better whenever we would see him."

While another added: "Worked with him, grew up with him, in all that time I was never sad or upset when he was around, always made me laugh. Love you and miss you mate."

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