Wife pays tribute to PC Matthew Blades after A66 crash

Pc Blades died when a marked Cleveland Police vehicle was involved in a crash on the A66 at South Bank at 3.39am on Saturday, August 22.

He was one of two officers killed in the crash, alongside Pc Tom Clough.

Five people travelling in a Volkswagen Passat also died at the scene.

In an emotional tribute, Pc Blades’ wife described him as an adored son, brother, uncle and son in law, whose loss had left a gap that could never be filled.

She said: “No words will ever feel like the right words to honour our Matt – my beloved husband, my best friend, and the most devoted father to our two young boys.

“He was an adored son and brother, a perfect son-in-law, and the most fun uncle. He was loved beyond words by all his family and friends, and his loss has left a space that can never be filled.

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

“The pain of losing him is beyond words, and our lives will never be the same. Neither will the love he gave us ever fade.

“Our children will grow up knowing what an incredible father he was and will always be, and I will carry his love, his memory and everything we shared with me always.

“He may have left this world committed to the duty he believed in, but his greatest legacy will always be the love he gave to his family.

“We would also like to express our deepest gratitude and heartfelt thanks to all of the emergency services and to our police family who have stood beside us through the most difficult time of our lives.

“The kindness, compassion, love and unwavering support we have received as a family has meant more to us than words could ever express. Every message, visit, gesture of support and every person who has stood alongside us will never be forgotten.

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

Scene of multiple fatality RTC on the A66 at in South Bank, Middlesbrough. 23.8.2026 Photograph: Stuart Boulton/The Notrhern Echo (Image: Stuart Boulton)

Before joining the force, PC Blades was an English teacher at Carmel College in Darlington.

The school has posted a tribute to him on social media, describing him as “an intelligent, kind and approachable teacher.”

The statement reads: “It is with profound sadness that the Carmel College community joins people across our region in mourning the tragic loss of life this weekend.

“In a particular way, we remember PC Matthew Blades, who was a much-loved and highly valued member of staff at Carmel before leaving teaching to begin a new vocation of service as a police officer.

“Many within our community will remember Matty as an intelligent, kind and approachable teacher, a valued colleague and someone who gave generously of himself to the young people in his care. We remember with great affection the contribution he made to life at Carmel and give thanks for the difference he made during his time with us.

“Our thoughts and prayers are especially with Matthew’s wife, his two sons, his wider family, friends and colleagues, and with all those who knew and loved him. We pray too for PC Tom Clough, his loved ones, and all those affected by the wider tragedy and loss of life.

“When we return to College, Mass will be offered for the happy repose of the soul of Matthew Blades, and we will continue to hold in prayer all those who mourn and all whose lives have been changed by what has happened.”

Cleveland Police Federation has established a fundraising page to support the families of Matthew and Tom at this incredibly difficult time.

Any funds raised will be divided equally between their two families. For members of our community who may wish to contribute, the fundraising page can be found here: https://gofund.me/07bf7241c

Flowers, balloons and messages have since been left near the scene as people across Teesside pay tribute to those who died.

Tributes have also poured in for the two officers, who were described by Cleveland Police Chief Constable Victoria Fuller as “brave officers”.

She 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.”

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said he was “devastated” to hear about the crash, while Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said her thoughts were with all those affected.

Anna Turley, MP for Redcar, said: “They went to work to keep people safe and they should have come home to their families.

“Their loss will be felt deeply by their loved ones, fellow officers and right across the communities they served.”