More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
Floral tributes on the grass verge and three empty beer bottles now mark the scene of a tragic accident which wiped out four members of a family in a split second.
A 15-year-old boy is still fighting for his life in a London hospital with serious head injuries after a bronze Toyota Hi Lux lost control in Lenham Road just outside Headcorn in the early hours of Sunday.
The men lived in nearby Martin's Gardens had been on their way to watch the heavyweight clash between Tyson ‘Gypsy King’ Fury and Deontay Wilder when the crash happened just before 1am.
They have been named locally as Johnny Cash, 44, ‘Smiler’ Cash, 25, Johnboy Cash, 19, and Jacko Cosgrove, 18.
Jacko, the youngest, had been a member of Tenterden Amateur Boxing Club and had recently learned his wife was expecting.
Johnboy had become a dad just six weeks ago.
His wife Grace left a tribute of lilies by the side of the road In Loving Memory of a Dear Husband.
She wrote: “To my Baby. I love you so much and your baby Bridie loves you, too.”
One family member visiting the scene of the crash said: “They were all lovely men. It is so sad. It is a shame so many lives have been lost in one time.
“It has affected wives, kids, brothers and cousins. So many have been hurt at once. They are never going to get over this.”
Another who worked with them said: “They were lovely working class people who were well liked.”
Another added: “Jacko was a nice, nice man with not a bad bone in his body. It has come as a big shock to all of us.”
The names and initials of all four men have been carved into the trunk of a tree where the accident happened.
On Facebook, members of Tenterden Amateur Boxing Club paid tribute saying: "We have lost some of our very own.
"Rest in perfect peace boys, we had some brilliant times travelling the country and Europe Boxing. Life really can be too short."
Johnny Cash worked with Broadoak Paving in Maidstone.
The police's serious collision investigation unit, which was at the scene for more than 12 hours, is appealing for any witnesses to get in contact.
The wreckage of the vehicle was taken away just before 1pm on Sunday.
Commenting on the tragedy, Cllr Martin Round, ward member for Headcorn on Maidstone Borough Council, said it was known as a very dangerous road.
He added: "The few houses along this stretch have been worried for some time.
"This is the road that also provides many Gypsy, Traveller and Roma (G&T) sites/pitches that makes the Headcorn area the biggest G&T ward in the country pro rata.
"I would ask the public to help police with any witness statements if they are able."
Helen Whately, MP for Faversham and Mid Kent, said: “News of this crash is horrendous and shocking. My deepest sympathies are with the families and loved ones of the young men who have lost their lives.
"This is just so unbelievably sad. I know people in Headcorn will be deeply shocked by what has happened. Thank you to the emergency services and everyone involved in responding.”
Anyone who witnessed the incident or who has CCTV, mobile phone or dash camera footage should call SCIU on 01622 798538 quoting reference SM/LB/114/21. Alternatively, email sciu.td@kent.police.uk
