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A teenage motorcyclist who was killed in a crash on the A28 had a momentary lapse of attention and veered into oncoming traffic, an inquest heard.
Jordan Weller, 19, from Bethersden, was declared dead on the road near Great Chart after his 125cc motorcycle collided with a Ford Fiesta just after 1pm on Sunday, December 6.
Jordan, who had completed his compulsory basic training just two weeks before the crash, had been travelling to Ashford.
Emergency services including police, ambulance and air ambulance crews were called, but the former Homewood School pupil could not be saved.
Nine members of the teenager’s family filled the court room at the Folkestone Magistrates’ Court inquest today.
They heard witnesses saw former Canterbury College student Mr Weller looking down at his bike when he crossed to the wrong side of the road round a bend.
Assistant coroner Christine Freedman said he may have been looking at his tyre or having trouble changing gear.
She said: “I’m going to conclude Jordan died as a result of an accident. It’s simply one of those things, nobody is to blame, least of all Jordan.
“He was trying to do his best but we are all human and we all make mistakes.
“This was a tragic accident. He sustained fatal injuries when his motorbike veered into the path of an oncoming vehicle.
"Nobody is to blame, least of all Jordan. He was trying to do his best but we are all human and we all make mistakes" - Assistant coroner Christine Freedman
“This is a tragic case of a very young man who seemed to have done everything right in preparing to ride a motorcycle.
“He practised on the back roads, he attended his course, he had the right helmet and there was no suggestion he was riding recklessly or speeding.
“He was, however, inexperienced, and to a large extent that lack of experience probably contributed to what happened.
“It’s a catch 22; you can’t become experienced until you have experience.
“I’m satisfied the driver of the Fiesta was driving in a perfectly competent way. She reacted appropriately, slowing to a very low speed and this was a low-speed impact, nevertheless causing devastating injuries to Jordan.
"The question of why he crossed the double white line we will probably never know for sure but witnesses have referred to him apparently looking down suggesting he took his eyes off where he was going.
“That momentary lapse of attention seems to be the most likely explanation.”
Miss Freedman recorded a verdict of accidental death.
Jordan’s devastated mum, Tracey Miller, said she expected the result of the inquest.
Speaking briefly after the hearing finished she said: “The result is better than I expected, I expected to hear he had more injuries.
“He was the life and soul of our family.”
In a tribute released shortly after his death, his family said: “He was a loveable cheeky monkey. Jordan lived life to the full and lived to entertain.
“Although Jordan was new to riding, he was looking forward to a lifetime of biking.
“He was extremely proud of his bike and paid meticulous attention to maintaining it.
“Jordan knew his capabilities and restrictions and respected the road.
“Sunday was the fourth day on his bike with his cousin, Harry, and they had agreed he was ready for the main roads, having tackled the country lanes previously.
“Sadly fate was against him, and Jordan was taken away from us all before he was given the chance to enjoy and experience his freedom.
“We all love you with all our hearts and will miss you forever. Spread your wings and fly high little dude.”