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'Pain of losing him is beyond words': Families of two police officers killed in crash pay tribute
🇬🇧 United Kingdom /Crime & Justice

'Pain of losing him is beyond words': Families of two police officers killed in crash pay tribute

From BBC News · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • Two police officers, PC Matthew Blades and PC Tom Clough, died after their vehicle was hit by a car traveling the wrong way on the A66 near Middlesbrough.
  • The occupants of the other vehicle, five individuals aged 17 to 23, also died in the collision.
  • Families of the officers have paid tribute, remembering them as heroes who died in the line of duty.

The families of two police officers have expressed their profound grief following a tragic crash that claimed their lives. PC Matthew Blades, 37, and PC Tom Clough, 38, were killed when their marked armed response car collided with a Volkswagen Passat traveling the wrong way down the A66 near Middlesbrough. The collision occurred on Saturday, seconds after officers had been pursuing the Passat.

Pain of losing him is beyond words, and our lives will never be the same.

— PC Blades' wifeExpressing the depth of her grief and the irreversible impact of her husband's death.

Tragically, all five occupants of the Passat, Michael Robert Cahill, 23; Jacob Matusiak, 23; Theo Rae, 17; Makai Saddington, 18; and Cole Robert Worthy, 17, also died in the incident. The devastating loss has left a significant void, with tributes pouring in for the fallen officers.

PC Blades' wife described him as "loved beyond words" and a "devoted father" to their two young sons. She stated, "He gave his life in the line of duty, protecting and serving others with courage, dedication and selflessness." She added, "The pain of losing him is beyond words, and our lives will never be the same." His legacy, she noted, would be the love he gave his family, calling him "forever loved. Forever missed. Forever our superhero."

He gave his life in the line of duty, protecting and serving others with courage, dedication and selflessness.

— PC Blades' wifeHighlighting PC Blades' ultimate sacrifice and his commitment to his profession.

PC Clough's family remembered him for his "fantastic sense of humour" and his readiness to "jump into action whenever needed." They hailed him as "our hero" and someone "willing to help anyone for any reason." A social media user who knew PC Clough described him as a "true friend, fantastic soldier and I have no doubt even better police officer."

Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever our superhero. Our Matt and Dad.

— PC Blades' wifeA final, heartfelt tribute to her husband, emphasizing his heroic status in their family.

Both officers had strong community ties. PC Blades had recently become a coach for Seaton Carew FC's under-sevens team and had previously taught English at Carmel College in Darlington, where he was known as an "intelligent, kind and approachable teacher." PC Clough was also recognized for his public service, with one tribute noting he "proudly fought for his country to make the world a better place."

He was a true friend, fantastic soldier and I have no doubt even better police officer.

— Social media userRemembering PC Tom Clough's character and service, drawing parallels between his military and police careers.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by BBC News. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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