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Partner pays tribute to Justin Newitt who fell to his death at the Maidstone TV Studios

The partner of a man who died after plunging 15ft while working at Maidstone TV Studios has paid a moving tribute to her soulmate.

Justin Newitt, a handyman, fell at the studios in Grove Green on September 23 and was pronounced dead at King’s College Hospital later that day.

His girlfriend Jemma Webb, who lives in Downswood, was called by someone at the studios, but was not immediately aware how serious it was.

Justin Newitt with Jemma Webb and her two sons, Rydan, left, and Leyton Eldridge, right
Justin Newitt with Jemma Webb and her two sons, Rydan, left, and Leyton Eldridge, right

The 35-year-old said: “It was only when I received a call from his nephew about the air ambulance when I knew I needed to get there.”

Sadly, Mr Newitt, 38, of South Park Road, Shepway, died before she arrived. Miss Webb recalled the last kiss he gave her as he left for work that morning and told her he loved her, as always.

The pair met during their teenage years at the Senacre Technology College, and finally settled down together in 2012.

Justin Newitt with partner Jemma Webb
Justin Newitt with partner Jemma Webb

Miss Webb, who has lived in Maidstone all her life, first fell in love with him aged 18 when he chauffeured her around and looked after her on nights out.

After being on and off for a couple of years, they went their separate ways, only to be reunited on Facebook three years ago.

The mother-of-two said: “He was just everything, he made you laugh constantly, he did everything and anything for you. He took the boys out, he showed them how to put lizards around their wrists as bracelets. He was just wonderful.”

38-year-old Justin Newitt who passed away last month
38-year-old Justin Newitt who passed away last month

Miss Webb’s son from a previous relationship, 11-year-old Rydan Eldridge, said: “Justin did everything for us. He transformed the house and transformed our life.

"He was just everything, he made you laugh constantly, he did everything and anything for you."

Jemma Webb

“He had his own little ‘man cave’ where he would go and build stuff. He made me my own little garden shed where I could put all my flowers.”

Last Tuesday, more than 100 family and friends gathered in Mote Park, Maidstone, to release balloons and lanterns in memory of Mr Newitt, who had spent hours playing at the park as a child.

Jemma with family and friends at the release of balloons and lanterns in Justin's memory
Jemma with family and friends at the release of balloons and lanterns in Justin's memory

Justin's two older sons George Phillips, 17, and Ayden Diprose, 20, organised the event to pay tribute to their much-loved dad.

Maidstone Studios has offered counselling to anyone affected and a police investigation into the incident continues.

His family has launched a JustGiving page to raise money for Mr Newitt’s funeral.

An inquest into his death is due to be opened on Tuesday morning at the Archbishop's Palace, Maidstone.

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