Dad-of-Two Killed in Suspected Hit-and-Run on A20 Near Ashford
A tragic New Year’s Day hit-and-run claimed the life of Samindra Gurung, a 45-year-old father of two. Mr. Gurung was found with a severe head injury lying on the A20 at Mersham le Hatch, near Ashford. Emergency services rushed to the scene but sadly, he was pronounced dead.
Inquest Reveals Grim Details
Opening the inquest in Maidstone, Coroner Katrina Hepburn confirmed:
“Samindra died on January 1, 2025, at the A20 near Mersham. Identification was by police. He was located by members of the public lying on the carriageway with a significant head injury.”
The official cause of death was recorded as multiple injuries.
Police Hunt Continues After Two Arrests
Following the incident, two men were arrested after police found a silver Honda Jazz abandoned on Osborne Road in Willesborough just after midnight. The car had heavy front-end damage and is believed to be linked to the crash.
One suspect has since been released without charge. The other remains on bail as investigations carry on.
No one witnessed the collision, but the abandoned vehicle is believed to have been involved,” the coroner added.
Family Mourns Beloved Husband and Father
Originally from Nepal, Samindra Gurung worked as a traffic marshal and lived in Ashford’s Pemberton Road. He leaves behind his wife Kamala and daughter in Nepal, and a son in the UK.
Childhood friend Ajaya Subba paid tribute:
“I was really sad to hear the tragic news about my childhood friend. We grew up together in Kapan, Saraswotinagar, Kathmandu, Nepal, and we were friends for 35 years.”
Police Urge Witnesses to Come Forward
The inquest is suspended while the police investigation continues. Officers appeal for anyone with information, especially locals with CCTV or drivers with dashcam footage, to get in touch.
- Contact the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 01622 798538
- Reference: SM/MD/001/25
- Email: [email protected]
