Gathering in memory of biker

Friends and family will meet at site of fatal crash in tribute to 20-year-old

A memorial is due to be held this evening (Thursday) to honour the life of a man killed when his motorbike hit a tree at Herne Common.

Jack Whichello, 20, died at the scene of the crash on the Canterbury Road, Herne Common, at about 3.30pm on Sunday.

Friends and family will gather to pay tribute to the former MidKent College student and lay flowers or memorial items at the site where he lost his life.

Mourners are asked to meet at the First and Last pub from 6.15pm with flowers being laid at 6.30pm, when the road will be closed briefly.

Leaving a tribute on Facebook, Selina Whichello said: “It’s with great sadness and regret to inform our friends and family that our beloved son, stepson, brother and grandson Jack Whichello was taken from us Sunday afternoon.

“He leaves an empty hole in our hearts, but we believe through the help of our friends and family we will be united as one and be strong together, he will be greatly missed.”

More than 100 people are expected to attend the event for the young biker from Gillingham, who died “doing what he loved most”.

His family say Mr Whichello had many friends and that they are holding the memorial gathering to pay respects “to his fulfilled life”.

His sister Hannah said they have asked people to lay objects that he would have liked.

She added: “About 200 people are attending and also a bike convoy will be attending full of all his biker friends.” A Facebook page has been set up – Jack Whichello’s memorial gathering – to let people know about the event.

His dad Paul wrote: “I have had lovely messages from the neighbours that helped Jack immediately after his crash, including the landlord of the pub. All have said that Jack had people around him trying their best to save him and every one of them has been deeply upset by the accident.

“While on Thursday we are remembering Jack, may I ask we also spare a thought to the kind people who despite not knowing Jack tried in vain to save him.”

The A291 Canterbury Road was shut in both directions after the incident, between Curtis Wood Road and Busheyfields Road.

Mr Whichello was pronounced dead at the scene. No other vehicles were involved. He was heading towards Canterbury.

Jack Whichello, who died when his motorbike hit a tree at Herne Common; the air ambulance landed nearby