Friends of the five youths killed in a head-on smash with a police car are planning balloon releases in their memory, including near the crash site. Michael Cahill, Theo Rae, Cole Worthy, Jakub Matusiak and Makai Saddington all died instantly in the incident.
Police officers PC Matthew Blades, 37, and PC Tom Clough, 38, who were not in pursuit of the Volkswagen Passat, were also killed in the collision on the A66 near Middlesbrough on Saturday morning.
Memorial events scheduled across four days
Memorial events for the five youths have been announced for Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at different locations, including in South Bank, close to where the crash unfolded. Posters promoting the balloon releases have been shared on social media.
One message dedicated to all five said: "We all knew use [sic] and knew use [sic] had hearts of gold and most loyalist [sic] lads."
Another social media message reads: "We have been made aware that there are two balloon releases taking place for two much loved young lads, Cole and Jacob. Both are happening at the same time and date. Please feel free to go to whichever one you would like to attend but if you can please take an extra balloon so both boys are remembered and both families feel your love and support."
Release details for each youth
It adds: "There are also balloon releases arranged for Theo makai and Michael full details for each will be posted below this post so everyone is aware and can show their support for all five families. Five beautiful souls all gone too soon. All loved all missed all forever in our hearts."
A balloon release in memory of Cole Worthy is due to take place at 5pm on Monday. At the same time, a memorial for Jakub Matusiak is due to be held in South Bank. A release for Theo Rae will take place at 6pm on Tuesday, balloons will be released in memory of Makai Saddington on Wednesday at 6pm, while Michael Ray will be remembered by the helium-filled tributes on Thursday.
Fundraising for officers' families
More than £250,000 has been raised for the families of the two police officers who died when the Passat crashed into their vehicle as it was travelling the wrong way on the dual carriageway. A fundraiser created by the Cleveland Police Federation on Sunday reached £228,000 early on Monday. Organisers said funds raised would be split equally between the two officers' families and the federation would continue to provide support.
