Maidstone United Raiders hit by tragedy again after player named …

A football club has been struck by tragedy for the second time in less than a year after a player died in a car crash.

Charles Bolt, known as Charlie, was killed following an early morning collision between Sittingbourne and Maidstone^[1] on Monday, June 12.

Tributes have been paid to Charles Bolt, 20, who died after a collision on the A249 between Sittingbourne and Maidstone. Picture: Helen Cooper

The 20-year-old played for Maidstone United Raiders, a specialist disability team, and was teammates with Reece van Sertima, also 20, who died last October^[2] when he was hit by a lorry on the A228^[3], between Malling Road and Rocfort Road in Snodland^[4].

Both deaths, in such a short period of time, have left staff and players devastated.

Lorraine Humm, who is head of disability football at the club, said: “The Raiders are like a family and we were all devastated when we heard the news.

“The last time Charlie played for us was in a charity match in memory of Reece van Sertima – a teammate of his who we lost last October.

“On behalf of the club, we arranged for a floral tribute which I took to his funeral. It was based on the Maidstone shirt he wore during that charity match in April.

Charles was top scorer in the charity game for his friend and teammate Reece van Sertima. Picture: Helen Cooper

Reece van Sertima tragically died after being hit by a lorry on the A228 in Snodland last October

“Everyone connected with the Raiders sends love and best wishes to Charlie’s family. We will always be here for them.”

Charles died after the silver Ford Fiesta he was driving overturned and landed on a roadside barrier on the Sittingbourne-bound carriageway of the A249 at around 4.25am.

The young man, from Maidstone, was captain for pal Reece’s memorial match and awarded Man of the Match for being top scorer that game.

Lorraine, who has been helping those at the club deal with the tragedies, added: “It’s all been a nightmare really. It’s affected so many.”

Reece and Charles both played in the U16 squad which were champions two years running, before joining the adult team and becoming champions in the gold premier division of the Kent disability league.

Charlie played for Maidstone United Raiders. Picture: Helen Cooper

Earlier this year there was a charity game in memory of Reece^[5], with his family taking on a team from their local pub.

Around 1,000 people attended and more than £5,000 was raised as a result.

References

1. ^{^} early morning collision between Sittingbourne and Maidstone (www.kentonline.co.uk)
2. ^{^} died last October (www.kentonline.co.uk)
3. ^{^} hit by a lorry on the A228 (www.kentonline.co.uk)
4. ^{^} Snodland (www.kentonline.co.uk)
5. ^{^} charity game in memory of Reece (www.kentonline.co.uk)