Motorcyclist who died on ride to work was ‘a gem’

A mechanic killed riding his bike to work in Canterbury has been described as “totally irreplaceable”.

Anthony Medhurst died when his green Kawasaki collided with an Iveco van on the M2 near Faversham on Friday morning.

The 28-year-old was travelling to the Mr Clutch Autocentre in Simmonds Road, Wincheap, where he has worked for three and a half years.

Manager Mandy Lee, 50, said: “Anthony was such a good guy, totally irreplaceable – and an absolute gem.

“He came to Mr Clutch here from the Strood branch. His move was only supposed to be temporary, but he stayed because he just loved it here.

“They wanted him back, but he stayed. We were told that he was very shy when he came, but working with us really brought his personality out. He was absolutely fantastic – there wasn’t a thing he didn’t know about clutches.

“Anthony ended up being my right hand man. He came to be known as the clutch guru and was the glue which held this place together.”

The crash happened at 8.20am close to the A251 junction.

Police closed the coastbound road between junctions six and seven for more than five hours as they carried out a crash investigation ahead of a formal inquest into Mr Medhurst’s death.

Miss Lee said: “He had a BMW and was well into his bikes. He would ride his to work when the weather was good. He died doing something he loved.

“I worked with him six days a week. I’m absolutely devastated, broken. Anthony was loved by the staff, the customers and the suppliers.”

Lisa Blackman, of Bekesbourne Lane, was a regular customer of Mr Medhurst’s at the garage.

The 48-year-old Border Force worker said: “Anthony has worked there ever since I’ve used the garage and he was just a really nice bloke, really helpful.

“He and Mandy that ran that place – they were smashing and I always totally trusted them.”

Social media tributes included one from Mr Medhurst’s brother, Stefan, who wrote: “Rip big bro never thought I’d be writing anything like this but you were loved by so many your memories will stay with us for years to come sleep tight brother love you xx.”

Sara-jane Saunders wrote: “Anthony was such a lovely guy and I’m so sorry to hear that he has gone. He will be missed by so many – was great working with him x.”

Police had to temporarily hold traffic on the London-bound carriageway to allow the air ambu- lance to land. There were eightmile tailbacks as motorists got caught up in the aftermath, with the coastbound carriageway eventually reopening at 2.30pm.

Police are appealing for witnesses and would like to hear from anyone who may have footage caught on a dashcam or other device. Call 01622 798538.

Anthony Medhurst died when his bike hit a van on the M2 at Faversham while he was on his way to work in Canterbury