Crowdfunding page set up for talented chef Ellis Overy who died in Wateringbury motorbike crash
Published: 08:50, 12 June 2018
Updated: 09:42, 12 June 2018
A fundraising page has been set up to "treasure the loving memories" of a talented chef who was tragically killed in a motorcycle accident.
Ellis Overy, 21, died in the early hours of Sunday morning after the black Honda motorbike he was riding collided with a stationary blue Skoda Fabia on the A26 Tonbridge Road.
Police and ambulance services arrived at about 12.40am but Mr Overy was pronounced dead at the scene.
In the subsequent days, friends have laid flowers and lit candles in memory of the former Mascalls Academy student, who grew up in Oakfield Road, Matfield, and took to social media to express their sorrow.
Now a crowdfunding page has been set up by his brother, Reece, with aim of raising £6,000.
He said: "This is to celebrate the life of Ellis, a son, brother, partner and best friend to many who has been tragically taken from us all.
"Everyone who knew Ellis knows he had a heart of gold and would be the first person to help anyone, always putting others before himself.
"He loved his bikes, had a passion for food and one day wanted to have a Michelin star."
Harvey Reade described Mr Overy - who worked as a chef at Sankey's in Tunbridge Wells before recently starting a new job at Who'd A Thought It in Maidstone - as his "best friend", having known him since they went to pre-school together as toddlers.
He said: "Everyone went to where it happened on Sunday and we all said how he was always so kind and never had a bad word to say about anyone. He was always there when someone wanted him.
"It's funny, we went to the same pre-school and primary but went to different secondary schools so I didn't really see him for the duration of those years.
"But he invited me to one of his parties and it was like I'd only seen him the day before.
"He partied quite hard and was passionate about anything to do with friends and family and just hanging out with people he loved.
"Ellis always knew how to put a smile on someone's face."
Who'd A Thought It boss Joe Mallett said: "Ellis was with us for about two months and was a very enthusiastic young lad who bonded well with the team and was coming on leaps and bounds as a chef.
"We were all in shock when we found out and Sunday was a very morbid day.
"It's such a shocking thing to happen to someone so young. His family must be in bits, and we are too. It's such a shame."
Mr Overy, who also leaves behind younger brother, Lewis, had been making plans to move in with Jade Fennell, his girlfriend of nearly three years, just before the crash.
Anyone who saw the collision or the motorcycle prior to the crash, is asked to call the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 01622 798538, quoting reference RY/NR/080/17, or send an email to sciu.td@kent.pnn.police.uk
To donate to the fundraising efforts, click here.
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Tom Pyman