The wife of PC Matthew Blades, one of the officers killed in the crash on the A66 in the early hours of Saturday (August 22), has paid tribute to him. The fatal crash occurred as a Volkswagen Passat travelling the wrong way down the A66 near Middlesbrough crashed with a police vehicle on the same road going in the right direction.
Officer's wife shares heartfelt tribute
The wife of PC Matthew Blades said: "No words will ever feel like the right words to honour our Matt — my beloved husband, my best friend, and the most devoted father to our two young boys."
"He was an adored son and brother, a perfect son-in-law, and the most fun uncle. He was loved beyond words by all his family and friends, and his loss has left a space that can never be filled."
"He gave his life in the line of duty, protecting and serving others with courage, dedication and selflessness."
"The pain of losing him is beyond words, and our lives will never be the same. Neither will the love he gave us ever fade."
"Our children will grow up knowing what an incredible father he was and will always be, and I will carry his love, his memory and everything we shared with me always."
"He may have left this world committed to the duty he believed in, but his greatest legacy will always be the love he gave to his family."
Gratitude to emergency services
She added: "We would also like to express our deepest gratitude and heartfelt thanks to all of the emergency services and to our police family who have stood beside us through the most difficult time of our lives."
"The kindness, compassion, love and unwavering support we have received as a family has meant more to us than words could ever express. Every message, visit, gesture of support and every person who has stood alongside us will never be forgotten."
"Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever our superhero. Our Matt and Dad".
Victims named
PC Matthew Blades, 37, was pronounced dead at the scene after the crash which occurred at 3.39am on Saturday alongside PC Tom Clough, 38, and all five members of the public travelling in the Passat.
The five males travelling in the Passat were between 17 and 23-years-old. They have been named as Cole Robert Worthy, 17, Theo Rae, 17, Makai Saddington, 18, and 23-year-olds Michael Robert Cahill and Jacob Matusiak.
Tributes and messages of support for the families of the five young men have poured in on social media, with many of their friends saying they “can’t believe it” and were “heartbroken” and “lost for words”.
Tribute to PC Tom Clough
The family of PC Tom Clough have paid tribute to him. They said: "He was our hero with a fantastic of humour. Jumped into action whenever needed, and willing to help anyone for any reason. Proudly fought for his country to make the world a better place. Always on public duty throughout his short life."
"We as a family and Tom's partner would like to express our sincere gratitude for the overwhelming support and condolences from friends, colleagues and the wider community".
A man who knew PC Clough called him a “true friend, fantastic soldier and I have no doubt even better police officer”, in a tribute on social media. “Taken far too soon words fail me right now. Until we meet again sleep tight my mate,” he added.
