The tragic death of an outstanding estate agent at the age of 38 has left her colleagues in shock.

Rachel Francis, who managed the Canterbury branch of Ward & Partners, has died a week after an horrific road accident.

Her passenger, a 40-year-old London man who was her partner, died in the crash, which closed a main road on the outskirts of Canterbury for 12 hours.

The driver of a coach involved was arrested after the crash and bailed until October 2, pending further inquiries.

Paying moving tribute, Ward & Partners managing director Aldo Sotgiu said: “As you can imagine Rachel will be missed greatly.

“She started her career in estate agency with Ward & Partners in 2001 and quickly established herself in the company, showing a real determination to do well and build a career, which she did very successfully.

“Rachel progressed through all of the company’s available promotions  to the senior position of branch partner, as recognition of her consistently high performance, dedication and commitment.

“She was a Wards person through and through.

“She more recently took the bigger role of managing our high-profile Canterbury office and was making good progress with the help of her very supportive team.

“The whole team saw Rachel as a very strong leader with the utmost integrity, professionalism and desire to help get the best out of her staff in order to help others.

“We heard the dreadful news of the car accident on the Friday and understood Rachel’s partner had died instantly and that Rachel had been taking by air ambulance to St George’s Hospital in London.

“We were hoping Rachel would pull through, despite her serious injuries.

“I visited her in hospital on the Monday and was able to spend a little time with her and her amazing family.

“So many people sent ‘get well’ wishes which I was at least able to share with Rachel even though she was unconscious.

“She was very peaceful and I left in the knowledge the hospital had done everything possible to help her.

“Rachel passed away the following day and our deepest condolences go to her family.”