Family ‘utterly devastated’ over loss of loving son

Scott Wickens, of Exeter Close, Tonbridge, died at the scene of the accident on the stretch of road just south of the junction with Marley Lane on Friday lunchtime.

The 27-year-old was travelling south in his silver Vauxhall Vivaro van when it collided with a white DAF lorry heading in the opposite direction.

Mr Wickens’ family have released a heartfelt tribute to him.

They said: “Words cannot express how utterly devastated we are that our darling son Scott, brother to Craig, has been taken from us.

“His life was so short, but ever colourful, and his experiences both good and bad had shaped him into the wonderfully kind, wise, generous and hugely popular man he had become.

“As a family we can console ourselves in the knowledge that he was at that time so very happy, madly in love, and was finally in a place where he was looking to settle down.

“He treasured every moment spent with his very dear friends, of which there were many, and in the spirit he lived and shared his life, he will be celebrated and remembered forever.

“We all loved, love, and will always love him.”

The 41-year-old driver of the lorry was airlifted to hospital, suffering from serious injuries to his abdomen and upper body.

The man, from Slough, remains in a critical condition at Kings College Hospital in London.

The road was closed for six hours while investigation and recovery work was undertaken, causing long tailbacks and congestion in the area.

Officers from the Sussex Police Roads Policing Unit thanked motorists for their patience.

Officers are keen to speak to any witnesses to the collision itself or the driving of either vehicle prior to the collision.

Anyone with information is asked to call Sussex Police on 101 quoting Operation Standean.