A young father who died after being hit by a motorcycle at his friend's funeral suffered a severe head injury described as "non-survivable", an inquest has heard.

Aaron Smith was airlifted to King's College Hospital on Thursday, April 16, after the collision in Tonge Road, Murston, near Sittingbourne, at around 10.40am.

The 17-year-old, who was married and had three children, died the following day.

An inquest into his death opened at Maidstone's Archbishop's Palace today and heard how Mr Smith suffered "non-survivable head injuries" after being hit by a Suzuki motorcycle.

His cause of death was given as due to a head injury.

Assistant coroner James Dillon said the collision happened at a funeral attended by members of the travelling community. The driver of the motorcycle made off. A man has since been charged.

A fundraising page has been set up by Mr Smith's family and has raised more than £3,700.

Organiser Mollie Edwards wrote on the page: "We are raising money for his family. He was taken too soon and left behind three babies and a loving wife, we need to do this in his memory."

One relative posted: "I'm going to miss you singing to me Aaron. I still can't believe it."

Another added: "Can't believe dear little Aaron Smith gone. Love him. Always loved listening to him sing and play guitar. Always would help anybody. A lovely young fella and old-fashioned boy."

The inquest was adjourned and is due to be heard in full on Monday, August 24.

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