A young father died after jumping from a bridge into traffic, an inquest has heard.

Preston Turner, from Sittingbourne, suffered fatal injuries after being hit by vehicles on the A249.

An inquest into the 22-year-old's death in Maidstone heard how the KFC manager was pronounced dead at the scene and confirmed he had jumped from a bridge.

Coroner Katrina Hepburn explained police were called by the ambulance service at about midnight on June 29 to reports of a man being hit by several vehicles.

She said his cause of death was given as multiple severe injuries.

The hearing was adjourned to be heard in full on November 22.

Following the tragic death, flowers and messages were left near the Key Street roundabout in Sittingbourne.

One heartbreaking message left by the roadside read: “The sky’s never looked so beautiful until you got there.”

On Facebook Robyn Ellen said: “We are all so numb. I cannot even put this pain into words.

“We lost our baby brother. Thank you all for sharing your condolences. A shock I never thought we would have to face.

“Rest in peace Preston Turner we love you so much xx”

“I’m gonna miss you pal. Save a beer for me when I see you next. RIP Preston Turner...”

Friend Rhys Jeffery added: “Never thought I’d have to say this but I’m going to miss you lad.

“When I was told the news this morning, it broke me.

“You were always there for me when I needed it.

“I’m gonna miss you pal. Save a beer for me when I see you next. RIP Preston Turner.”

The week after his death, a balloon release in memory of Preston took place at nearby Grove Park in Sittingbourne, attended by a small group of friends.

Another balloon release was scheduled for Saturday in Bristol, where Preston used to live before moving to Kent.

The organiser of that event, Ellie Bristow, said: “He will truly and sincerely be missed so much.”

Amelia Ohara added: “Can’t believe I’m writing this. Another soul taken by the angels way too soon R.I.P beautiful.

“Hopefully you’re resting easy. And partying up there with the angels like we used to, love you.”

'We are all so numb. I cannot even put this pain into words'

The A249 was closed for 16 hours after the tragedy, which happened in the Maidstone-bound carriageway.

Police would like to hear from anybody who was travelling along the A249 or in the vicinity of the Key Street roundabout at the time of the incident.

They are also asking motorists with dashcams to check for footage that may help their investigation.

Anyone with information should call Kent Police on 01795 419119, quoting 28-1562.

For more information on how we can report on inquests, click here.

For confidential support on an emotional issue, call Samaritans on 116 123 or click here to visit the website.