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An inquest has heard how a man died after a collision involving a van as he walked along a slip road.
Matthew Russell, of Medhurst Gardens, Gravesend, was found dead on the Gravesend East slip road on Monday, August 17, a hearing at Maidstone's County Hall heard today.
Presiding coroner Alan Blunsden concluded in the brief hearing the Chatham-born man's medical cause of death was multiple injuries caused by a road traffic collision. He had entered the carriageway on foot directly into the path of an approaching vehicle.
At the inquest opening in September, it was heard how emergency services were called at around 11.25pm after the 23-year-old was involved in an accident with a white Vauxhall Movano van.
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.
"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."
After the accident, tributes were placed by the roadside for Matthew.
One read: "You will truly be missed and never forgotten. You will stay with me forever. I'll see you on the other side bro."
For more information on how we can report on inquests, click here.
