Police Officer Killed on A66 Was Former Teacher at Carmel College
A police officer who died in a horrific motorway crash on the A66 has been remembered as a devoted father and a former teacher who left the classroom to serve his community. PC Matthew Blades, 37, was killed alongside his colleague PC Tom Clough when their armed response vehicle was struck by a VW Passat travelling the wrong way down the carriageway in South Bank in the early hours of Saturday, August 22.
All five occupants of the Passat also died in the collision, which has sent shockwaves through the local community and beyond.
Who was PC Matthew Blades?
Before joining the police force, PC Blades worked as an English teacher at Carmel College in Darlington. The school has paid tribute to a man described as an “intelligent, kind and approachable” colleague who gave generously of himself to the young people in his care.
In a statement posted on Facebook, the school said: “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.”
The statement continued: “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.”
What did his family say about PC Blades?
PC Blades, a father of two, had recently joined as a coach for the under-sevens Seahawks team at Seaton Carew FC. The club said he was looking forward to coaching his own son, who was due to play for the team this season.
In a moving statement, his wife said: “No words will ever feel like the right words to honour our Matt. 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.”
She added: “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.”
Who was PC Tom Clough?
PC Clough, 38, a former soldier, was described by his family as “our hero” who was “always on public duty”. They said he “jumped into action whenever needed, and was willing to help anyone for any reason”.
His family added that he “proudly fought for his country to make the world a better place”.
How has the public responded?
More than half a million pounds has been raised via a Go Fund Me page set up by the Cleveland Police Federation to support the grieving families of the two officers. The outpouring of support reflects the deep respect in which both men were held by their communities.
What happens next?
The investigation into the crash is ongoing. The deaths of two dedicated public servants, one a former teacher and the other a former soldier, have prompted an outpouring of grief across the North East. Both men embodied the values of duty and service that this country holds dear, and their loss will be felt for years to come.