Tribute Issued by Family of 89-year-old After Fatal Collision in Gillingham

The family of a pedestrian who died following a collision with a car in Gillingham have issued a tribute.

The incident took place on A289 Gads Hill at around 12.10pm on Monday 29 December 2025. 

It is reported the vehicle continued and was later found in Eastcourt Lane, where the two occupants had left on foot.

 The pedestrian, who can now be identified as 89-year-old Tom Wallace, had been carried by the car and was located on the ground at Grange Road. He was treated by South East Coast Ambulance Service but was sadly pronounced deceased at the scene.

Tribute

The family of Mr Wallace has asked Kent Police to issue the following tribute on their behalf:

‘Tom Wallace. L.D.S, R.C.S. Eng. had been a dental surgeon in the Medway Towns for all his working life.  He had been married for 63 years, was a father of three, a grandfather of four, and recently a great grandfather.

‘He loved his family dearly and was loved by them in return. He sailed his boat up and down the east coast, and across the Channel to France, usually single-handed. For years he was a bell-ringer at the church on Gillingham Green. He was a Samaritan for many years, raised money for the NSPCC and undertook several European cycling tours to raise funds for Marie Curie. He was a respected and loved member of the community and deserved a better end to his life than this. 

‘The residents and postman who tried to help in Grange Road were compassionate and kind. Our thanks and appreciation go out to them.’

Court Hearing

On Thursday 1 January 2026, a man aged, 28, from Edgware, was charged with death by dangerous driving. Another man aged 29, from Chatham, was charged with perverting the course of justice.

Both men are Albanian nationals and appeared in court on Friday 2 January 2026. No pleas were offered on these charges, and they were remanded in custody until their next appearance at Maidstone Crown Court on Friday 30 January.