Durham Police said eight-month-old Zackary Blades and 30-year-old Karlene Warner were travelling in a Peugeot 308 between Chester-le-Street and Durham when they were struck by an Audi Q5 at around 3.15am on Friday. The pair sustained fatal injuries and died at the scene.
Zackary’s mother, Shalorna Warner, was driving the vehicle at the time and sustained minor injuries. Ms Warner and Zackary’s father, Jack Blades, paid tribute to their son. “We are absolutely heartbroken to announce the tragic death of our beautiful son, Zackary,” they said.
“We only had you in our arms for eight months but in that time, you brought us so much happiness to all our lives. “We had so many amazing memories together as a family that will never ever be forgotten; thank you for giving us the best Christmas and holiday together in that time. “You started crawling from such an early stage, you absolutely loved your food, you started to say mama, your top teeth had just come through, you were climbing the stairs and would always laugh while doing it because you knew you were being naughty.
“You were so close to standing up on your own. “I’m so sorry you never got to grow up. “Our little Zack – mammy and daddy love you so much, you didn’t deserve any of this.
“You were such a happy, cheeky boy. “I am so sorry this has happened – our hearts are truly broken. We will never forget you, you will always be in our hearts.
” “We miss you so much and will for the rest of our .
