A 20-year-old who died when a car crashed into a roundabout, had been on his way back from a party, police believe.

Mati Tabaka was a passenger in a black VW Golf which collided with the Flanders Field roundabout in Ashford in the early hours of Sunday, July 30.

An inquest opened into the death of Mr Tabaka, who was one of four people in the vehicle when the collision occurred.

The coroner’s court at County Hall in Maidstone heard that the four – all of whom were friends –were believed by police to have been at a party in the lead-up to the tragic incident.

Assistant Coroner Sarah Clarke said that Mr Tabaka was found in a back seat of the VW by emergency services, after they were called to the crash at around 12.10am with the vehicle having landed in a ditch near to the roundabout.

He had suffered fatal injuries to his head and chest and was declared dead at the scene.

A fundraiser to return the young man to his home country of Poland was set up on Tuesday, August 1, and has raised more than £9,000.

A message on the page says: “As most of you already know over the last 48 hours we’ve lost a very special friend which we all shared.

“Mati really was one of a kind person. He was someone who always managed to make people smile and laugh, someone that took care of everyone around him.

“He had a huge heart that he wanted to heal everyone with. He would have loved all the memories that everyone is sharing for him.

“Now, knowing that he was a Polish man at heart no matter where he was, his body will be laid at rest there, where he will finally be at peace.

“With the current finance situation transporting him will not be cheap, therefore I’d like to use this opportunity to ask everyone for any donation that will help his family get him to where he belongs and give him the goodbye he truly deserves.

“I know that he would appreciate each and every one one of you so much for all your support and help and his family will be forever grateful for any help during this tragic time.”

The three other people in the car – all men with one aged 20 and two aged 19 – were all taken to hospital with serious injuries.

All four are understood to be former North School pupils.

The air ambulance was also called to the scene, along with six fire engines and two height vehicles. Firefighters used cutting tools and hydraulic rescue equipment to free the casualties and left just after 5am.

Further tributes to Mr Tabaka have been left along the pavement near the roundabout, including flowers, handwritten notes and candles laid in the shape of an M. There are also pictures of him with his friends and a balloon reading ‘Rest in peace Mati’.

Bottles of vodka and several Tyskie Gronies, a polish beer, have been left, as well as shot glasses. One of the notes read: “Mati, You were such a good friend to our son. Absolutely devastated and words can’t describe the pain. We will never forget you. Fly high Mati.”

Another tribute says: “I cannot believe my friend is no more. You will forever remain alive in our hearts.”

Tributes were also paid online. One person wrote on Facebook: “I can’t believe this has happened. May you rest in peace Mati Tabaka.”

Anyone who witnessed the incident or who has dashcam footage is asked to contact the appeal line on 01622 798538 or email sciu.td@kent.pnn.police.uk quoting RY/MD/080/23.

Footage can be uploaded via this link.

A Facebook post said a Holy Mass for Mati was held last week at St Teresa R C Church.