Tributes paid to ‘amazing’ Rochester man who died in motorbike crash on M2 near Sittingbourne
Tributes have poured in for a "deeply loved son, brother, daddy, partner and friend" after he died in a motorbike accident. Hundreds of people have expressed their condolences for the loss of James Macfarlane, from Rochester, whose "smile would light up a room".
Now his family have paid tribute and thanked those who came forward to share fond memories of the 29-year-old following his death in a collision on the M2, near Sittingbourne last month. His mother, Sally Macfarlane, wrote: "James was a deeply loved son, brother, daddy, partner, and friend, taken from us all far too soon.
"He was kind, warm-hearted, and endlessly caring. He was someone who made people feel safe, seen, and valued, a people person in the truest form. "James lived with compassion and generosity, always ready to help others without hesitation."
His girlfriend, Emma Keast, said James loved caring for people and "making them feel special".
She said: "This is what made him so good at his job. His personality and joy for life was infectious and his smile would light up a room. He has left a massive void in our lives and we can see he has done the same to so many others.
"He was an amazing person who made such a difference not only in our lives as a son, brother, daddy to his daughter, and partner to me, but to everyone who knew him.
In her statement on behalf of his family, she said his mother, father and brother had been comforted by the kindness shown and by seeing the impact he had on others. "It brings a small amount of comfort at a horrendous time," she added. James' mother is raising money in his memory and had started a JustGiving page where people can donate to Brake, the road safety charity. You can donate here.[1]
She said: "In place of floral tributes for his funeral, we invite you to honour his memory by making a donation to charity, helping his legacy of care and kindness for others live on. If someone you love has been killed or seriously injured in a road crash, Brake is here to help. Call 0808 8000 401 or email [email protected], Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm
"We are raising funds for Brake, the national road safety charity, which supports families bereaved and injured in road accidents and campaigns tirelessly for safer roads for everyone." Sally said Brake's support had been "invaluable" to the family and his girlfriend and added: "We are forever grateful for their compassion and guidance. "Thank you for helping us remember James in a way that reflects the love he gave so freely to others."
News of his passing has prompted an outpouring of grief from those that knew him, with one person writing: "You were a true gentleman".
Another person wrote on Facebook: "Such a lovely man and will be very much missed". The customer experience manager passed away on the M2 London-bound between Junction 5 near Sittingbourne (the Maidstone/Sheerness A249 turn-off) and Junction 4 (Gillingham, A278) following a crash, half a mile from the A278 turn-off, at about 6.30am on January 4. Police, paramedics and fire crews all responded to the incident.
On Friday (February 6), an inquest was opened into his death at Oakwood House in Maidstone. The court heard the 29-year-old, of Howard Avenue in Rochester, was travelling on a Kawasaki motorcycle on the London-bound stretch of the M2.
Ms Hepburn said the motorcycle left the services to join the carriageway and entered the first lane and tried to manoeuvre and overtake a lorry. The coroner explained that as the motorbike went to overtake the back end "went out causing him to become unseated".
The court heard that James impacted with another vehicle that was already in lane two. Ms Hepburn gave his cause of death as multiple injuries, pending a toxicology report.
His full inquest has been adjourned until August 11 at Oakwood House for 10am. A police spokesperson said: "Officers attended alongside paramedics who treated the motorcyclist for serious injuries.
He was declared deceased at the scene."
Anyone who witnessed the incident or who has dashcam footage is urged to contact Kent Police on 01795 419119 quoting reference 46/1801/26.
References
- ^ You can donate here. (www.justgiving.com)