Tributes have been paid to keen boxer “with a heart of gold” who died in a horror crash.

Tommy Dunn, 32, was the passenger in a silver Vauxhall Astra when it collided with a grey Land Rover at around 7.45am on Friday, October 27.

The sportsman, from Maidstone, was pronounced dead at the scene, while another passenger in the second car was taken to a London hospital with serious injuries.

Dozens of tributes have been paid to Tommy following his death, both online and in person where flowers, balloons and energy drinks have been left at the crash site.

Sister Sammy-jo Dunn said: “My big brother I love you with all my heart. You was not only my brother, you was my father my best friend.

“The best uncle that any little sister would wish for. My heart hurts so much, it don't seem real. You was just here eating dinner with Ronnie last night and taking my girl boxing today.

“You was the main person in mine and my children's lives. It don't sit right with me, I won't ever believe it.

“We were so close my Tom. I'm so proud of you. You always are the one to tell me I'm a good mum and you’re proud of me, and I promise to keep making you proud.

“My boy will be the boxer you want him to be. I promise we are going to make you so proud. I can't believe you've left me. I love you with all my heart.”

Tommy trained at TKO Maidstone in St Peter’s Street with Al Stevens, who praised him for always having time for people.

He said: “Tommy boxed for me and trained with me for over the last year.

“He had over come his demons, and had been doing great for year since he came to us at TKO. He was loved by everyone at the gym as he helped everyone from the youngest to the oldest.

“Boxing was a real help for him and helped keep him healthy and positive, we helped him outside of the gym just as much as inside the gym.

“His death has effected everyone. As I said, everyone loved him. He had time for everyone.”

Kizzy Starling added: “I couldn’t bring my heart to believe the news, I didn’t want to believe it and even still I’m struggling to understand why why you of all people.

“I’ve never had a best friend, brother, like you. You’ve stuck by me from day one, protected me, made me laugh, smile, told me your rubbish jokes, got me out the pub when I shouldn’t be, kept me out of trouble and most of all made me feel safe.

“Never have fear when Tommy’s here as you used to say. That smile would light up a room you was doing so well and turned your whole life around and I’m so happy I got to see that.

“Now I’m gonna make you proud my big friendly giant. Stay smiling up there and I promise you’ll be proud.”

Kelly-Ann Morley said: “I’m literally speechless. Devastated doesn’t seem to cut it either.

“You done yourself proud. You never gave up regardless, I’m so proud of you. You have a heart of gold.

“The support you gave many was remarkable, including me. Miss you, God bless, sleep tight.”

Tommy would often take part in boxing bouts and take to his social media page to offer advice on tackling mental health.

Balloons spelling out “Tommy,” bouquets and many candles were left in Wateringbury Road, East Malling, over the weekend.

The driver of the Astra had left the scene when police arrived.

A 32-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and was bailed pending further inquiries.

Officers are continuing to appeal for information and urge anyone who witnessed the incident, or who has relevant dashcam footage, to call Kent Police on 01622 798538 or email sciu.td@kent.pnn.police.uk, quoting reference SM/SC/117/23.

Footage can also be submitted through the force’s online portal.