Cleveland police officer Matthew Blades, 37, died in a tragic crash on August 22. Now, his wife has shared a heartfelt statement following his death.
Blades, 37, and his colleague Tom Clough, 38, were searching for a car with fake license plates when tragedy struck. It was around 3:39 a.m. on August 22 when a car suddenly crossed onto the wrong side of a dual carriageway.
The vehicle was carrying five male passengers when it collided with the police car. All of the people involved in the crash were pronounced dead at the scene.
Police later confirmed the victims in the other car were Michael Robert Cahill, 23, Jacob Matusiak, 23, Theo Rae, 17, Cole Robert Worthy, 17, and Makai Saddington, 18, according to Tyla.
“He was loved beyond words”
Following the tragic crash, Blades’ wife shared a heartfelt tribute, describing her husband as “patient and kind” in a statement issued to the press.
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,” she writes. “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.”
The statement continues: “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.”
Received reports of “numerous incidents”
Clough’s family also shared a statement, writing: “We, as a family and Tom’s partner, would like to express our sincere gratitude for the overwhelming support and condolences,” according to Tyla.
“He was our hero with a fantastic sense of humour.”
They went on by saying he: “Jumped into action whenever needed and [was] willing to help anyone for any reason. Proudly fought for his country to make the world a better place.”
They added: “Always on public duty throughout his short life.”
Saddington, one of the men in the car, had been due to stand trial over allegations involving an assault on a police officer and racially aggravated behavior, police have confirmed.
The Mail reports that he appeared at Teesside Magistrates’ Court in July, where he was accused of assaulting Cleveland Police Sergeant Rooker and causing PC Chowdhury racially aggravated alarm or distress.
The 18-year-old is also understood to have shared several clips on social media before the crash, including footage showing his involvement in previous police chases.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) later confirmed that Cleveland Police had been pursuing the vehicle after receiving reports of “numerous incidents.” The car was reportedly using cloned registration plates, which triggered an automatic number plate recognition camera.
The pursuit lasted under seven minutes before the officers abandoned the chase. The vehicle was then seen crossing onto the wrong side of the road, and just seconds later, it collided with the police car, killing Blades and Clough.
