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Former Sandgate councillor Kurt Stephens died from injuries after a motorbike crash, say inquest
16:59, 16 May 2019
updated: 16:15, 24 October 2019
A keen motorcyclist lost his life whilst riding in convoy with fellow bike enthusiasts.
Kurt Stephens, 57, died in a multi-vehicle crash in Calais shortly after leaving the Channel Tunnel on Thursday, July 19, an inquest heard.
He had been travelling with his club the Wheel Motorcycle Club members.
The experienced rider was en route to Belgium when the motorway accident involving four bikes happened.
Today at the Archbishops Palace in Maidstone, it was confirmed Mr Stephens died from his injuries.
Dashcam footage of the fatal accident was also shown during the inquest.
As well as a being a motorcycle fan Mr Stephens was part of Sandgate Parish Council.
Speaking in July fellow Sandgate parish councillor and friend Tim Prater said Mr Stephens was: "A fierce friend, prepared to do anything he could for anyone and his area, so in love with and proud of his wife Tracy Stephens and the business she built with him on Sandgate High Street.
"His loss will leave a big hole in the lives of those touched by him.”
The former Liberal Democrat parish councillor for Sandgate previously worked for Holiday Extras in Newingreen.
At the inquest it was said Mr Stephens had also recently become a grandfather.
