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Tribute to Osvaldas 'Ozzy' Rimša who died on London Road, Maidstone

By: Ed McConnell emcconnell@thekmgroup.co.uk

Published: 15:00, 24 January 2016

Updated: 15:02, 24 January 2016

Friends of a popular biker turned out in force to remember him this morning.

Osvaldas 'Ozzy' Rimša was tragically killed in a motorbike accident on London Road, Maidstone, last week.

The 27-year-old was less than a mile from his home at the time of the crash at 1.45pm last Friday.

Osvaldas Rimša, known to friends as Ozzy
Flowers were laid along the route

Today members of the Reca Community Biker Cafe, where Ozzy was well known, gathered at the St Peter's Street venue to remember him.

They walked to the scene of the collision outside Formula One Autocentre laying flowers along the route.

Crowds gather to pay tribute to Ozzy

Rick Evans, who runs the cafe with his wife Katie, said: "Just short of 100 bikers turned up, we were expecting high numbers as we are a group that gets involved in ride outs and funeral escorts for fallen bikers.

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"As a community we pull together when there is a fallen brother and that could be seen today."

Just under half of those who turned out had never met Ozzy and many came from far and wide, with the London Lithuanian Bikers and West Kent Bikers attending.

Mr Evans added: "The message to come from this tragedy should be a road safety one. Look once, look twice, think bike."

After the crash he wrote on Facebook: "Yesterday, Ozzy brought in some crazy fruity tea from Lithuania. Tomorrow they were going to brew up a pot full but today he died.

"We're gonna miss you friend. The pool table will be quiet when it should be you there.

"Every visitor to the cafe tomorrow must try a sip of this drink. He wanted to share, and so we will. Peace."

The scene of the fatal accident in Maidstone
Friends of Osvaldas 'Ozzy' Rimša walk along to the scene of the fatal crash

The exact circumstances of the crash are not yet known, with an inquest into Mr Rimša's death opened and adjourned on Friday and a pre-inquest review scheduled for Monday, March 7.

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The incident involved a black Alfa Romeo Giulietta and Mr Rimša'sblack Yamaha R1 motorcycle.

The driver of the car, a man in his 50s, suffered minor injuries.

Several police vehicles rushed to the scene alongside paramedics, crash investigators and more than a dozen officers.

Police continue to appeal for information following the fatal collision.

Senior investigating officer, Sgt Chris Wade, said: "I would like to thank other road users for their patience while we conducted our examination at the scene.

"This collision happened at a very busy location in the town and I believe there may be other witnesses who have not yet come forward."

Anyone who saw what happened or either vehicle before the crash is asked to call police on 01622 798538 quoting reference 15-0632. Alternatively email sciu.td@kent.pnn.police.uk

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