The five civilians who died in a horror crash on the A66, which also killed two police officers, have been pictured for the first time. Michael Robert Cahill, Jacob Matusiak, both 23, 18-year-old Makai Saddington, 17-year-old Theo Rae, and Cole Robert Worthy, 16, were all in the Volkswagen Passat, which was travelling the wrong way down a dual carriageway in South Bank, near Middlesbrough, before the smash.
PCs Matthew Blades, 37, and Tom Clough, 38, also died when their patrol car was hit. The five young men were officially named by Cleveland Police on Sunday, August 23.
Family tributes and social media posts
It has emerged that at least one of the civilians previously posted videos on TikTok of them recklessly speeding. In one clip, filmed in May by a passenger and set to rap music, an 18-year-old is seen in an Audi being driven at speed through a housing estate with a police car's blue lights flashing in pursuit. The vehicle is then seen veering across a playing field in an apparent attempt to shake off the pursuers.
Another video on an account associated with him shows a green Nissan being driven around before being set alight, while separate images posted elsewhere show him and a friend posing in cars wearing black balaclavas.
Makai's aunt, Sharon Morgan, paid tribute to him on social media. She wrote: "Today is a day I never thought I would have to face. I'm heartbroken to say that we lost my beloved nephew today our Makai."
"There are no words that can truly express the pain of losing someone so young, so loved, and so full of life. You brought so much love and happiness into our family, and your memory will stay with us forever. This loss has left a space in our hearts that can never be filled."
She added: "Rest peacefully, my beautiful nephew. You will never be forgotten. Until we meet again, fly high love ya aunty Sharon... Keep our family in your thoughts and prayers as we try to get through this heartbreaking time, especially our Alisha, his Mam."
Investigation and police tribute
Ring doorbell footage shows that at 3.36am the Passat was driven at speed through Middlesbrough's streets before officers halted the chase when the vehicle turned on to the A66. The Independent Office for Police Conduct has opened an investigation into the circumstances leading to the crash at 3.39am in South Bank after a mandatory referral from Cleveland Police.
A force spokesman said: "Family Liaison Officers are continuing to work with the families all of those who sadly lost their lives in the collision."
Seaton Carew FC, where PC Blades was a coach, paid tribute. They posted: "It is with the heaviest of hearts that Seaton Carew FC shares the devastating news of the passing of one of our coaches, Matty, who tragically lost his life in a fatal accident while carrying out his duties as a police officer."
"Matty had only recently joined our club as a coach and was preparing for his first season with our brand-new U7 Seahawks team. He was looking forward to being part of the team and, most importantly, to coaching his own son, who is going to be playing for the Seahawks this season."
The club added: "Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Matty's wife, his two boys, and all of his family and friends at this incredibly difficult and heartbreaking time. We also stand alongside Matty's colleagues and friends within the police service, who have tragically lost members of their force. All club flags are flying at half mast as a sign of respect."
The road remains closed today. No photos of the police officers have been officially released by Cleveland Police yet.
