Tributes have flooded in for a man who tragically lost his battle with schizophrenia when he stepped in front of a train.

Joe Jensen died after being hit by the Ramsgate to London Cannon Street service at Hildenborough Station just before 9am on Sunday.

The 29-year-old bar supervisor, who was born and raised in Maidstone and worked at Lashings on Upper Stone Street, had not been seen since leaving his Brighton flat on Christmas Day.

A Facebook page set up to help find former Boxley Road resident posted a message announcing the tragic news.

It read: “The saddest news has arrived. Today Joe Jensen lost his battle with schizophrenia.
“On December 28 he stepped in front of a train at Hildenborough in Kent.

“With sad hearts and the fondest memories we thank you for all your support. RIP Joe you were a generous loving spirit and we will miss you.”

Mr Jensen’s mother, Jayne, paid tribute to a man ho spent his life living for others.
She said: “All who met him commented on him being a lovely gentleman of impeccable manners.

“After a difficult year where Joe lost his cousin, we all took encouragement from the fact that he seemed to be making stellar progress. From being troubled he became the head of the family and offered everyone the greatest support.”

Mr Jensen’s cousin, Daniel Wiltshire, 39, died suddenly of a brain haemorrhage in March.

The 61-year-old former owner of Lashings added: “No one saw this tragedy coming. Joe was generous to a fault, well mannered and the kindest gentleman I’ve ever met. Everyone he knew will miss him unbearably. He is now at peace and with his cousin with whom he was more like a brother. They will look after each other and forever be in all our hearts.”

Emergency services raced to the scene of the accident between Tonbridge and Sevenoaks but sadly Mr Jensen was pronounced dead soon after.

Severe delays were reported by rail provider Southeastern throughout the Weald and Tonbridge areas for most of the day.

A British Transport Police spokesperson said: “Officers were called to the line at Hildenborough Station after a report a person had been struck by a train. BTP, Kent Police and South East Coast Ambulance Service attended the incident, which was reported at 8.51 am and is being treated as non-suspicious.”

Details of Mr Jensen’s farewell party will be published on Facebook.

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