Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
Family tributes to kind, happy Luke, 20, killed in crash
A kind-hearted gesture on the streets of Canterbury won Luke Mumford a job offer from a heartened onlooker.
But the life of the inspirational youngster was cut tragically short last Wednesday after he was killed in a car crash.
Just hours before, the graphic design student had been sharing ideas with Carey Miles, the boss of Canterbury Historic River Tours.
The Gazette reported last month how Mr Miles had offered Luke intern work after seeing him buy a coffee for a homeless man in the city’s High Street.
Luke’s death, aged just 20, has come as a hammer blow to all those who knew him.
After learning of the tragic news, Mr Miles said: “We’re absolutely devastated over this heartbreaking news.
“I’m absolutely numb. He was such a lovely lad. The cruelty of life has no boundaries.
“Luke was so clearly enthusiastic about his involvement in the company and I was enthused by his input.
“He had so quickly become a favourite with the staff he was working with, displaying an incredible amount of enthusiasm in his role to the company.
“I informed him personally how impressed I was with his graphic design ideas and work attitude.
“I find it absolutely impossible to describe the sadness I feel.
“However, the brief moment in time that I knew Luke reminded me of how we should treat others in poorer positions, as shown by Luke’s kindness, and how our youth community can teach others and remind us of our social responsibilities.”
Luke’s Vauxhall Corsa careered up a steep bank between Eccles and Blue Bell Hill in Maidstone and rolled over, ending up on its roof in a field. He had only been driving for three weeks.
His family said in a statement: “Luke was a happy, kind and positive, wonderful lad who was always helping and supporting everyone; from helping out at Mid Kent College, while attending Canterbury University and working at Sainsbury’s in Maidstone, where he went over and above to help customers.
“His happy and cheeky nature will be missed by so many.
“We are devastated by this tragic event.
“In Luke’s words, ‘bring positive changes to the communities you are involved in.
‘Be proactive if you have the power to improve something or make someone happier, do it.
‘Set out to do something for someone each day.
‘Even if it’s as small as buying someone some food or a drink – it all counts’.”
Police are appealing for anyone who saw the car in the minutes before the 5.40pm crash to call 01622 798538 or email sciu.td@ kent.pnn.police.uk, quoting reference AH/226/16.