The family of an 89-year-old grandfather have paid a heartbreaking tribute after he was killed in a collision on a Kent road, describing him as a "respected and loved" pillar of the community who deserved a better end.
A Life Cut Short in Tragic Collision
Tom Wallace, a former dental surgeon from the Medway Towns, was struck by a grey Mercedes on the A289 Gads Hill at around 12.10pm on Monday, December 29. The force of the impact carried the pensioner a distance from the point of collision. He was later found lying on the ground in Grange Road.
Despite the swift efforts of emergency services and the assistance of compassionate local residents who rushed to help, Mr Wallace was pronounced dead at the scene.
The vehicle involved was subsequently discovered in Eastcourt Lane, some distance away from where Mr Wallace was located. Police reported that the two occupants of the car had allegedly left the scene on foot.
A Family's Tribute to a 'Loved' Grandfather
In a moving statement, Mr Wallace's devastated family painted a picture of a full and generous life cruelly cut short. They expressed their profound gratitude to the residents of Grange Road who came to his aid, calling them "compassionate and kind".
Their tribute detailed a life dedicated to family, service, and adventure. Tom Wallace, L.D.S, R.C.S. Eng., had been a dental surgeon in the Medway Towns for his entire working life. He was married for 63 years, a father of three, a grandfather of four, and had recently become a great-grandfather.
"He loved his family dearly and was loved by them in return," the family said. An avid sailor, he navigated his boat single-handed along the east coast and across the Channel to France. He was also a longtime bell-ringer at the church on Gillingham Green.
His commitment to helping others extended to volunteering as a Samaritan for many years, raising money for the NSPCC, and undertaking several European cycling tours to raise funds for Marie Curie.
Two Men Charged and Remanded in Custody
Kent Police have since charged two men in connection with the incident. Albert Matraxhiu, 28, from Edgware, has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving.
Erald Paci, 29, from Chatham, faces a charge of perverting the course of justice. Both men appeared in court and were remanded in custody. No pleas were entered at this stage.
The pair are scheduled to appear next at Maidstone Crown Court on Friday, January 30.
The community is now mourning the loss of a man whose family said was a "respected and loved member of the community" and who "deserved a better end to his life than this".
