The mum of a Maidstone man who died in a crash on the M26 says her heart is "shattered".

Loved ones of Reece Watson , who died in a collision on Thursday, near Wrotham , have paid tribute to the 22-year-old, who was one of four brothers and managed the Under-15's for Lenham Wanderers FC.

David Boaler , 42, from Sutton Valence, was travelling in the same van as Reece when it collided with a lorry and also died at the scene. A third occupant was taken to hospital and his condition remains serious.

Rebecca Taylor, Reece's mum, said: "I really can't find the words to describe how much pain I feel.

"My heart is shattered. My world feels like it's stopped.

"Reece was the most amazing, loving, funny, caring and kind person you could ever have in your life. He was my rock, my life, my best friend and my beautiful boy.

"I can't even start to think how my life is going to be without him.

"He was loved by every single person he met. He would help anyone, at any time, without question.

"His brothers are devastated, he was the most amazing role model to them and their life just won't be the same without him."

His partner, Emily Butler, who lived with Reece in Ringlestone, said: "When Reece and I first met four years ago, I never thought my life would become as incredible as he made it.

"He filled my life with such love and laughter, and I will forever be thankful for that.

"He knew exactly what to say to me when I needed him, which was a very special thing.

"He was there for me in the good times and in the bad, without any hesitation. "

"That was him all over, the brightness in the dark and the funniest person I have ever had the pleasure of knowing.

"He was my absolute rock, he supported me with everything. Through the pure heartache I feel and the emptiness that is inside me, I know he needs me to stay strong for our beautiful boy.

"He took on my son Isaac from the start, and very quickly they became incredibly close.

"Over the years Isaac and Reece spent hours and hours playing, laughing and forming a truly beautiful relationship.

"I couldn’t have asked for anything more for myself and Isaac. Reece was a unique person who made me feel beautiful and always made sure Isaac and I were happy.

"As a family unit of three, we made the best memories, that I will treasure, always and forever."

Reece's best friend Matthew Murray knew the former Swadelands School pupil and West Ham United fan from when they were boys.

He said: "Reece adored his family and had the most amazing relationship with his three younger brothers. He used to babysit them on a regular basis as his parents would work unsociable hours.

"He was an amazing person, who would light up any room he walked into, be it either from his witty, quick humour, his terrible jokes or just with a smile.

"Reece just attracted people towards him, everyone wanted to know and be around him. He was the joker of the group and just knew how to make anyone laugh no matter what mood they were in.

"I was lucky enough to call Reece my best friend who was the most supportive person I have ever known, he was my guardian angel through thick and thin.

"He knew how to handle any situation, he had a way of wording the right things to someone but being honest with them at the same time and then throw in the occasional joke when needed to get a smile out of the saddest of people.

"You have and always will be my brother. I’ll love and miss you forever."

A fundraising page started by Mr Watson's aunt and grandmother has nearly raised £9,000.

The money will pay for funeral costs and also a memorial in the Lenham Wanderers grounds, in Old Ham Lane.

Kent Police are investigating the crash and anyone with information about the incident should call 01622 798538 quoting reference RY/MD/88/20. Alternatively, email sciu.td@kent.police.uk.

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