A popular builder was killed as he walked home from New
Year’s Eve celebrations with his wife.

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

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.

Michael's 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.