Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
TRAGEDY STRIKES TWICE IN A WEEK
Two young men killed in separate crashes within 24 hours
A former Canterbury schoolboy who died in a motorcycle crash was a prize-winning pupil popular with his classmates and teachers.
Jason Milnes, 26, attended the Archbishop’s School, in St Stephen’s, between 2001 and 2007, picking up an achievement award in his final year.
He was killed when his bike collided with a 4x4 vehicle on the A20 at Newingreen, near Hythe, on Friday.
Archbishop’s deputy head Gavin Kennett said: “It was with shock and great sadness that we heard the tragic news.
“Jason was loveable, great fun and had a good and, at times, mischievous sense of humour. He was well liked by staff and pupils of all ages.
“He played a full part in the life of the school both in and out of the classroom and gained his bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. During his last year with us he won a school prize for achievement.
“Our thoughts and prayers at this time are with his family and friends.”
The accident happened about noon outside the Airport Cafe between the A261 Hythe Road and Swan Lane junctions on the A20.
It is believed the motorbike and a white Isuzu 4x4 collided near Red House Farm before the motorbike collided with a blue Volvo lorry parked in a nearby layby.
Before starting at Archbishop’s Jason was confirmed into the Church of England and was a pupil at Saltwood Primary School just outside Hythe.
In a statement his family described him as “the greatest son a mum and dad could ever have had and loving brother to his two sisters”.
It went on: “Jason had ridden motorcycles since he was three years old and also had been known for his pedal bike prowess. He played golf in the junior Kent league and had been a keen kite surfer with his dad since 11 years old.
“He had worked for Bam Nuttall over the last six years as a tunnel mechanical fitter on the Tottenham Court Road and Victoria Line Station upgrade projects for London Underground.
“His life was ended in a tragic motorcycle collision midday on Friday and will be terribly missed by all who knew him. God bless.”
Police are appealing for witnesses. Anyone with information is asked to call the serious collision investigation unit on 01622 798538, quoting reference 24-0594.