Renewed appeal and tributes following fatal collision near Pembury

Officers investigating a fatal collision near Pembury are renewing their appeal for dashcam footage, CCTV and witnesses.

Kent Police was called at 11.43am on Monday 18 May 2026 to a report of a single-vehicle collision on the A228 Pembury Northern Bypass.

A silver Renault Megane travelling from Pembury towards Whetsted, left the carriageway on the nearside and entered woodland before colliding with trees.

The incident happened between Tonbridge Road and Old Church Road.

Officers attended the scene alongside paramedics where the driver, 64-year-old Craig Pangrazi-Simpson, had sustained fatal injuries and was declared deceased at the scene.

The passenger, 60-year-old Elizabeth Pangrazi-Simpson, was airlifted to a London hospital where she later died.

Family members have now shared tributes to the couple.

Tributes

Elizabeth's sons, Josh and Jake, said:

'Our mum and Craig were two of the kindest, happiest and most loving people you could ever meet. They were both incredibly bubbly, caring, and always brought warmth and laughter wherever they went. 'Family meant everything to them, and they loved each other deeply. They would always go above and beyond for others, often putting other people before themselves. Even if they had only just met someone, they had a way of making people feel welcomed, valued, loved and appreciated. 'They were truly inseparable and were the definition of real love and partnership. 'Their loss has left a huge void in all of our lives, and they will be deeply missed by everyone who knew and loved them.'

Craig's daughter, Millie, said:

'From the day I can remember, my dad was always a happy, kind, gentle man, who made the effort with people, both in and out of his workplace, making him very popular and loved by everyone he met. His kindness, warmth and constant effort, will always be remembered and deeply missed by all who knew him. 'My dad was one of the first people in my life, to make me feel safe, understood and deeply loved and even though we hadn’t spoken in a while, my love for him remained. I still and always will carry pieces of him, in the memories that return unexpectedly and the quiet ache for the loss of someone who meant so much, to so many. 'May my dad and his wife, Elizabeth, rest in peace.'

Appeal

Officers from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit continue their enquiries into the circumstances surrounding the incident and urge anyone who saw the collision, or who might have seen the vehicle beforehand, to contact police.

Motorists who were in the area are urged to check for any dashcam footage, which may assist the investigation.

Footage can be uploaded via Kent Police’s online portal.

Witnesses can also provide information by contacting Kent Police on 01622 798538 and quoting reference HW/DGC/040/26, or by emailing [email protected]