Survivor of fatal crash in Swale Way, Sittingbourne, pays tribute to biker friend who died
Published: 17:30, 18 May 2021
Updated: 19:29, 18 May 2021
The survivor of a fatal crash which killed his friend has paid tribute to the "kindest bloke you'll ever meet".
Flowers have been laid in Swale Way, Sittingbourne, in memory of 26-year-old project manager Ryan Rudden, whose bike was involved in a collision with a car last Wednesday night.
The Whitstable man's heartbroken friend and colleague, Adam Davies, was riding pillion with him at the time of the crash and was left with an "exploded knee", a fractured wrist and ligament damage.
The 31-year-old said: "Ryan was the kindest bloke you'll ever meet in your life. He'd do absolutely anything for anyone.
"He was just one of those blokes who made me laugh constantly even though he wasn't trying to. He had the heart the size of a double decker bus. I'll miss him forever and ever."
Adam, originally from South Wales, had been living on the Isle of Sheppey since August while he worked with Ryan at electrical company Avidety.
The father explained how police told him he was lucky to be alive following the crash, which happened at around 9.45pm, near the entrance to Milton Creek fishing lakes.
Adam had to have surgery on his injuries which involved the insertion of nuts and bolts.
"The police told me they don't know how I made it," he added. "So I'm just thankful I get to see my daughter." "I'm glad to be home with my daughter and chuffed to be alive to be honest.
He is now back in his home town of Burry Port, South Wales, with his daughter where he's still in a cast and on morphine while recovering from his injuries.
Four people from Sittingbourne were arrested following last week's tragedy. Three of them were men, aged 18, 23 and 32, arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
The following day the 18-year-old and 23-year-old were released pending further inquiries, while the 32-year-old was held in custody for longer.
'Words cannot describe how broken we are...'
He was later released on bail until Wednesday, June 9.
The fourth person, a 34-year-old woman who was arrested on suspicion of attempting to pervert the course of justice, was also released.
An air ambulance landed at Milton Recreation Ground, off Vicarage Road, at around 10.40pm last Wednesday, while the police helicopter was reported to be circling Swale Way at a similar time, assisting officers on foot. The road was closed while they carried out enquiries.
Tributes have been left at the site of the crash where the young man died.
Flowers, sweets, a high-vis jacket and a six-pack of Monster energy drinks were left the morning after the incident.
One tribute left said: "I can't believe I'm writing this, but you was an amazing friend and we had so many laughs. Miss you brother."
Another read: "Words cannot describe how broken we are. A brother and a friend. You were taken too soon but your memory will live on.
"Until we meet again brother. Rest in Peace."
Read more: All the latest news from Sittingbourne
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Sean McPolin