Seaton Carew FC has paid tribute to one of its coaches, PC Matthew Blades, who died in a collision on the A66 in South Bank in the early hours of Saturday morning, 22nd August.
PC Blades, known as Matty, was among the seven people who lost their lives when a marked Cleveland Police armed response vehicle collided with a Volkswagen Passat carrying five passengers. The officer, aged 37, had recently joined the club as a coach and was looking forward to coaching his son in the U7 team.
Club pays tribute to coach Matty
In a statement on social media on Sunday, a spokesperson for Seaton Carew FC said: "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 statement continued: "Matty and his oldest son are much-loved member of our club and our U10 Lions football family. 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."
Seven killed in A66 collision
Cleveland Police's Chief Constable, Victoria Fuller, confirmed that PC Blades and his colleague PC Tom Clough, aged 38, were among those who died in the crash. The two constables perished when their patrol car, which was heading in the correct direction along the A66, crashed into the VW Passat, which was driving the wrong way down the dual carriageway.
The identities of the five occupants of the Volkswagen have not yet been released by the relevant authorities. Relatives of the five individuals inside the Passat are receiving support from officers, Cleveland Police confirmed on Saturday.
Speaking to journalists on Saturday afternoon, Chief Constable Fuller said: "These were brave officers protecting our communities and serving our residents who didn't return home to their families at the end of their shift."
The club added: "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."
"From everyone at Seaton Carew FC, thank you, Matty, for choosing to become part of our club. You will always be remembered as one of our own."
The A66 remains closed following the fatal crash.
