The devastated family of an 89-year-old grandfather have paid an emotional tribute after he was killed in a horrific hit-and-run incident in Kent just days after Christmas.
A Beloved Grandfather's Life Cut Short
Tom Wallace, a retired dental surgeon, died after being struck by a grey Mercedes estate car at approximately 12.10pm on Monday, 29 December 2025. The collision occurred on the A289 Gads Hill in Gillingham.
In a shocking detail of the case, Mr Wallace was carried on top of the vehicle for around a mile before the driver fled the scene. The car was later discovered abandoned in Eastcourt Lane, where its two occupants had left on foot, according to Kent Police.
Paramedics from the South East Coast Ambulance Service treated Mr Wallace at the roadside, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
A Life of Service and Family
In a heartfelt statement, Mr Wallace's heartbroken family remembered a devoted family man and pillar of the local community. He had been married for 63 years, was a father of three, a grandfather of four, and had recently become a great-grandfather.
"He loved his family dearly and was loved by them in return," the family said. They described an active and charitable life: he was an accomplished sailor who navigated the east coast and crossed the Channel to France single-handed, a bell-ringer at the church on Gillingham Green, a volunteer for the Samaritans, and a fundraiser for both the NSPCC and Marie Curie, for whom he undertook several European cycling tours.
"He was a respected and loved member of the community and deserved a better end to his life than this," the tribute concluded, offering thanks to the compassionate residents and a postman in Grange Road who tried to help.
Court Appearances and Charges
Two men have since appeared in court in connection with the fatal incident. Albert Matraxhiu, 28, of Edgware, north London, faces multiple charges including:
- Death by dangerous driving
- Intention to pervert the course of justice
- Driving with no insurance
- Driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence
- Failure to stop after an accident
- Failure to report an accident
Erald Paci, 29, of Chatham, Kent, has been charged with intention to pervert the course of justice. Police confirmed both men are Albanian nationals.
Prosecutor Victoria McGrady told Medway Magistrates' Court that the vehicle's front and rear number plates were removed and disposed of after the collision. The defendants, who appeared before the court on Friday, 2 January 2026, were remanded in custody by Judge Stephen Leake. Their next hearing is scheduled for 30 January 2026 at Maidstone Crown Court.
