A teenager has died in hospital today after a crash in Bearsted that claimed the life of another young man.

Brett Pearson, 19, was critically ill following the smash in the early hours of Saturday morning.

The 18-year-old driver, Gary Ring, died instantly after his Ford Ka left the A20 Ashford Road before hitting a lamppost and flipping onto its roof.

Mr Pearson lost his fight for life in a London hospital this afternoon.

Floral tributes have been laid at the scene along with candles and touching messages of condolence.

Friends gathered at the spot where the pair were involved in the horrific smash, which did not involve any other vehicles.

Mourners also took to social networking site Facebook to honour the teenage pair.

Joyce Rose Daniel wrote: "R.i.p Brett and Gary. Too young to be taken from us. All my love to all family and friends xxx"

Georgie Smyth said: "My dearest thoughts go out to everyone who knew Brett and Gary - forever missed and never forgotten."

Meanwhile, hundreds of people have also joined a Facebook page set up in Gary's memory.

One post said: "We all miss you so much Gazza, no one got to say a proper goodbye. They do say God takes the good ones young, well he's got a great lad with him now."

Another said: "Gary you will be truly missed by a lot of people. So sad that you had to go at just 18, it's so scary it just proves that life is too short."

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Police were called to the Maidstone-bound carriageway, between Otham Lane and Spot Lane, at 2.15am.

Officers from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit are appealing for witnesses to the fatal smash.

Sgt Christopher Wade said: "Collision investigators are carrying out a number of enquiries following this incident and would urge any drivers or pedestrians travelling along this road at the time who may have witnessed the collision or the vehicle prior to the incident, to contact us as soon as possible."

Video: Flowers laid at the scene of the fatal crash at Bearsted

Anyone with any information is asked to call the dedicated Serious Collision Investigation Unit appeal line on 01622 798538.

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