An 89-year-old granddad, Tom Wallace, died after being struck and dragged by a vehicle in a hit-and-run on the A289 in Gillingham on 29 December 2025, with two Albanian nationals now charged in connection with his death and a subsequent cover-up attempt.
Granddad Tom Wallace Named, an 89-year-old dental surgeon and family man from the Medway area, was killed when a car hit him on the A289 Gads Hill in Gillingham at around 12.10pm on Monday 29 December 2025, dragging him along the road before the driver fled the scene, according to reports from UKNIP.
Details Emerge of Fatal Collision on A289
The incident unfolded just after midday on 29 December 2025, when Tom Wallace was struck by a vehicle on the A289 Gads Hill in Gillingham. According to UKNIP, the car sped off from the scene but was later found abandoned on Eastcourt Lane, with its two occupants having fled on foot. Mr Wallace was dragged by the vehicle and discovered lying on the ground at nearby Grange Road. Emergency services from the South East Coast Ambulance Service attended and provided treatment, but he was pronounced dead at the scene, UKNIP reported.
As reported by UKNIP, residents and a postman on Grange Road showed kindness and compassion in attempting to help Mr Wallace following the collision.
Family Pays Tribute to Beloved Community Figure
The family of Tom Wallace released a heartfelt tribute describing his remarkable life and contributions to the community. According to UKNIP, the family stated: “Tom Wallace. L.D.S, R.C.S. Eng. was a dental surgeon in the Medway Towns all his working life. Married for 63 years, father of three, grandfather of four, and recently a great grandfather. He loved his family dearly and was loved back in return. Tom sailed his boat along the east coast and across the Channel, often single-handed. For years, he rang bells at Gillingham Green church, was a dedicated Samaritan, raised money for the NSPCC, and completed European cycling tours supporting Marie Curie. A respected and beloved community member, he deserved a better end to his life.”
Charges Brought Against Two Men
On 1 January 2026, two men were charged in connection with the incident. UKNIP reported that 28-year-old Albert Matraxhiu from Edgware was charged with death by dangerous driving, while Erald Paci, 29, of Chatham, faced charges of perverting the course of justice. Both men, described as Albanian nationals, appeared in court on 2 January 2026, offered no pleas, and were remanded in custody, with their next hearing scheduled for 30 January at Maidstone Crown Court, according to UKNIP.
Police Investigation and Community Response
Following the hit-and-run, police recovered the abandoned vehicle on Eastcourt Lane, prompting a swift investigation that led to the arrests and charges. UKNIP detailed how the occupants fled on foot after ditching the car, highlighting the rapid response that identified the suspects. The family’s tribute also acknowledged the support from local residents, including those on Grange Road who tried to assist Mr Wallace in his final moments. No further details on additional witness statements or forensic evidence have been released by authorities at this stage, as per available reports from UKNIP.
The death of Tom Wallace in the Gillingham hit-and-run has resulted in charges against Albert Matraxhiu for death by dangerous driving and Erald Paci for perverting the course of justice, with both remanded until their next court appearance on 30 January 2026 at Maidstone Crown Court, according to UKNIP.
