Police officer amongst 7 killed in A66 crash was soccer coach ‘excited to mentor son’
PC Matthew Blades, known as Matty, was a coach at Seaton Carew FC and one of two Cleveland Police officers who lost their lives in the A66 crash in the early hours of Saturday morning, August 22
Cleveland Police’s Chief Constable Victoria Fuller giving a statement at the scene
A football club has honoured one of their coaches who tragically died in a collision on the A66.
PC Matthew Blades, affectionately known as Matty, was among the officers who lost their lives in South Bank in the early hours of Saturday morning, 22nd August.
Seaton Carew FC has since paid tribute to the officer, who had recently joined the club as a coach and was eagerly anticipating coaching his son in the U7 team. In total, seven individuals perished as a result of a collision between a marked Cleveland Police armed response vehicle and a Volkswagen Passat, which was carrying five passengers.
The A66 remains closed following the fatal crash
The force’s Chief Constable, Victoria Fuller, confirmed that PC Blades, aged 37, and his colleague PC Tom Clough, aged 38, were among those who lost their lives in the crash.
Taking to social media on Sunday, a spokesperson for Seaton Carew FC stated: “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.”, reports Teesside Live.
Police officers at the scene of the fatal crash (Image: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire)
“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.
“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 crash happened on the A66 in South Bank, near Middlesbrough(Image: PA Wire/PA Images)
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 relatives of the five individuals who were inside the Volkswagen are receiving support from officers, Cleveland Police confirmed on Saturday.
The identities of the five occupants in the Passat have not yet been released to the public by the relevant authorities. Speaking to journalists on Saturday afternoon, Cleveland Police Chief Constable Victoria Fuller stated: “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.”
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