Cleveland Police have officially named the five people who died when a car travelling in the wrong direction on the A66 collided with a police patrol vehicle, also killing PC Matthew Blades and PC Tom Clough.
The five teens who died in the crash have been pictured online
The five males who died in a crash on the A66 in Middlesborough have been officially named by police. Emergency services were called to the scene of the crash between a Volkswagen Passat – which was travelling the wrong way down the carriageway – and a police car at 3.39am on Saturday.
Two brave policemen – PC Matthew Blades, 37, and PC Tom Clough, 38 – were killed in the collision.
Cleveland Police have now released the names and ages of those who died in the VW Passat. They are: Michael Robert Cahill, 23, Theo Rae, 17, Cole Robert Worthy, 16, Jacob Matusiak, 23, and 18-year-old Makai Saddington.
A police spokesman said: “Family Liaison Officers are continuing to work with the families all of those who sadly lost their lives in the collision.”
It emerged on Sunday that at least one of the deceased had previously posted videos on TikTok showing him 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, reports the Mirror.
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.
Tributes have continued to be paid to the two officers named last night, PC Matthew Blades and PC Tom Clough. No photos of the police officers have been officially released by Cleveland Police at this time.
Ring doorbell footage shows that at 3.36am the car was driven at speed through Middlesbrough’s streets before officers halted the chase when the vehicle turned on to the A66.
Makai’s aunt paid tribute to him. Sharon Morgan wrote on social media: “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.
“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.”
Last night a football club 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. 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. Rest peacefully, Matty. Forever a part of the Seaton Carew FC family.”
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