An experienced motorcyclist who died in a crash has been remembered as "loyal, caring and loving" by his family.

Jay Hayes was killed in Pembury High Street when the red Honda VFR800 motorbike he was riding collided with a grey BMW 335 car.

The 33-year-old plumber died at the scene.

His family describe him as a "proud and doting" father of two boys who had so much in life to look forward to.

"A loving son, father, brother, partner and friend to many, Jay was the most loyal, caring and loving person," his family said in a statement.

"Testament to that is the amount of love and well wishes we’ve received from friends old and new since the news of his passing.

"As a family, we are utterly heartbroken that such a huge part of our family has been taken from us so instantly, and so young.

"We are comforted by the fact that Jay was in a happy place when he died..."

"Our lives will never be the same and we will miss Jay, his laugh, his smile, his love, every day of our lives."

Mr Hayes, who lived in Halling , was a highly experienced rider who his family say had a passion for motorbikes since childhood.

He grew up in the West Malling area and was a former pupil at St Simon Stock Catholic School in Maidstone .

His family described how he was "idolised" by his two sons, aged six and three years old.

They said: "They were his whole world and we are devastated that they will grow up without their dad, who had so much planned for their future together.

"We are comforted by the fact that Jay was in a happy place when he died, he had so much to look forward to, and people in his life that cared and loved him so much."

The circumstances surrounding the fatal accident on the morning of August 27 are being examined by Kent Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU).

Mr Hayes collided with the BMW at the junction with Woodsgate Way at around 11.40am.

A police spokesman said: "Officers in Kent Police’s SCIU are conducting ongoing enquiries and would like to speak with anyone who has information that is yet to get in contact.

"They would also like to obtain dash camera footage, or privately held CCTV, that captures either the collision or the vehicles in the moments leading up to it."

An inquest into Mr Hayes' death is due to be opened at County Hall in Maidstone at 9.30am on Thursday.

Anyone with information is asked to call Kent Police on 01622 798538 quoting reference DS/FM/078/20

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