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Funeral for Jacko Cosgrove who died in horror crash on Lenham Road, Headcorn

The best friend of a dad-to-be killed in a horror crash along with three others has paid tribute to the 18-year-old boxer.

Patrick Cash spoke to KentOnline outside Holy Family Church in Park Wood where scores of mourners have gathered for the second time in a week to pay their respects.

Patrick Cash pays tribute to Jacko Cosgrove

Mr Cash said: "It's been ridiculous. No words can describe it. It's the worst thing I've ever been through.

"He was just a jolly person, hyper, nice person. He never stopped laughing or making jokes. That was just Jacko.

"The first time it sank in was yesterday when I saw the casket. It hit me really, really bad. I didn't really believe it until yesterday.

"I can't describe the pain, knowing you're never going to see him again or get a phone call or speak to him."

Jacko Cosgrove died in the early hours of October 10 in a collision near Headcorn, which killed three other men.

A funeral is being held for Jacko Cosgrove who died in a crash in Lenham Road, Headcorn Picture: Barry Goodwin
A funeral is being held for Jacko Cosgrove who died in a crash in Lenham Road, Headcorn Picture: Barry Goodwin

Another member of the Cosgrove family, Jacko's younger brother, said the shocking incident still hadn't hit him yet.

He said: "I don't think it's really suck in yet what's happened."

Other members and family friends described the day the accident happened, with one saying it was "like a bomb going off in the camp".

Screams and cries could be heard from the traveller camp which was close the the accident.

As the hearse headed out of Park Wood, Jacko's friends leaned out the window and said "Number one Jacko Cosgrove".

Floral and picture tributes have been laid at the funeral for Jacko Cosgrove
Floral and picture tributes have been laid at the funeral for Jacko Cosgrove
Floral and picture tributes have been laid at the funeral for Jacko Cosgrove
Floral and picture tributes have been laid at the funeral for Jacko Cosgrove

The funeral for Jacko, who had recently learned his wife was expecting, was being held this morning at Holy Family Church, in Park Wood, Maidstone.

The streets are lined with cars and mourners have bought flowers to the church, including a bouquet shaped into a boxing ring.

Jacko, who lived in Shadoxhurst, near Ashford, was a member of Tenterden Amateur Boxing Club.

A parked van is also displaying a photo montage of Jacko.

One man who was related to Jacko, but didn’t want to be named, said: “It’s terrible what’s happened. A freak accident. You’ll never see anything like it again where the same members of the family die.”

Watch: The funeral procession for Jacko Cosgrove

Johnny Cash, 44, his son Johnboy, 19, both from Martins Gardens in Lenham Road, Miles 'Smiler' Cash, 25, from Cranbrook, died in the collision, on Lenham Road, as well.

A 15-year-old, Jerry Cash, who was also in the Toyota Hilux, remains in hospital.

There was an outpouring of grief following the four deaths, with relatives and friends paying tribute.

A funeral is being held for Jacko Cosgrove who died in a car crash in Lenham Road, Headcorn Picture: Barry Goodwin
A funeral is being held for Jacko Cosgrove who died in a car crash in Lenham Road, Headcorn Picture: Barry Goodwin
Floral and picture tributes have been laid at the funeral for Jacko Cosgrove
Floral and picture tributes have been laid at the funeral for Jacko Cosgrove
A funeral is being held for Jacko Cosgrove who died in a crash in Lenham Road, Headcorn Picture: Barry Goodwin
A funeral is being held for Jacko Cosgrove who died in a crash in Lenham Road, Headcorn Picture: Barry Goodwin

The funerals for Jonny and Johnboy were held at Holy Family Church on Thursday, October 28, with hundreds of mourners travelling across the country to attend.

Loved ones of Smiler Cash travelled to Reading for his funeral in Caversham, on Monday.

A mass for all four men was held at St Francis Church, in Maidstone, on Monday, October 25.

Boxer Tyson Fury paid tribute to the group in a video message.

The 33-year-old WBC champion, fresh from winning the Las Vegas classic, said: "I'd like to send my condolences and rest in peace to the Cash family and the Cosgrove family on their recent loss.

"God bless them, make them a good bed in heaven, right in the name of Jesus Amen."

Floral and picture tributes have been laid at the funeral for Jacko Cosgrove
Floral and picture tributes have been laid at the funeral for Jacko Cosgrove
Floral and picture tributes have been laid at the funeral for Jacko Cosgrove
Floral and picture tributes have been laid at the funeral for Jacko Cosgrove
A funeral is being held for Jacko Cosgrove who died in a car crash in Lenham Road, Headcorn Picture: Barry Goodwin
A funeral is being held for Jacko Cosgrove who died in a car crash in Lenham Road, Headcorn Picture: Barry Goodwin
Mourners arrive for the funeral of Jacko Cosgrove, at Holy Family Church
Mourners arrive for the funeral of Jacko Cosgrove, at Holy Family Church

An inquest opening into the crash heard Johnny Cash had been driving the vehicle when the fatal accident happened.

The coroner heard that for reasons unknown the nearside wheels of the pick-up truck had gone onto the verge, then the vehicle slipped down a gully and crashed into a tree.

Read more: All the latest news from Weald

Read more: All the latest news from Maidstone

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