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Friends pay tribute to 'lovely young man’ killed in crash

Richard Barker
Richard Barker

Moving tributes have been pouring in for Richard Barker, the young biker who was killed in a crash in Rainham.

The 21-year-old, known to friends and family as Richie, died after a collision at a roundabout in the High Street.

As reported in Friday's Medway Messenger, he collided with a Ford Fiesta at the junction with Holding Street on Wednesday evening.

Richie, who used to go to Thameview infant and junior schools and later went to the Howard School in Rainham, was taken to Medway Maritime Hospital after the crash, but he died of his injuries.

His family were too upset to talk about his death, but many people who knew him have left tributes on the Medway Messenger website.

Lauraina, Pete and family wrote: "Richie was a lovely young man. We knew him for 16 years and are devastated that he has died. Our thoughts are with his family. RIP we will never forget you."

Jeff Streets added: "RIP Richie, A great lad who will be terribly missed. My thoughts to all the family."

Monika wrote: "Richie. You still live in my heart, forever darling!"

And Kirsty Rainkin added: "RIP Richie, such sad news."

Floral tributes to Richie have been laid at the crash scene.

One man who lived nearby but didn't want to be named, said: "I didn't see anything, but I heard an enormous crack.

"I didn't take any notice at first because there are always bumps on the roundabout, but then I heard the sirens and I went out. You could see the man lying in the road."

A woman, who also didn't want to be named, said: "My daughter came running down the stairs and said 'Mummy there's been a big bang outside.

"There was a taxi driver who stopped first and he was trying to help the biker. Someone flagged down a police car and they were here before I had even finished my call to the ambulance."

Did you know Mr Barker? Leave your tributes below.

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