Man faces trial after baby and aunt die in car crash

A man has been charged with two counts of negligent homicide by dangerous driving after a young boy and his aunt were killed in a crash on the A1.

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 couple suffered fatal injuries and died at the scene of the accident.

Zackary’s mother, Shalorna Warner, was driving the vehicle at the time and suffered minor injuries.

Jack Blades, the father of Ms. Warner and Zackary, paid tribute to their son.

“We are deeply heartbroken to announce the tragic passing of our wonderful son, Zackary,” they said.

“We only had you in our arms for eight months, but in that time you brought so much happiness into all of our lives.

“We have so many wonderful memories as a family that we will never forget. Thank you for giving us the most wonderful Christmas and the most wonderful holidays together during this time.

“You started crawling so early, you loved your food, you started saying mommy, your upper teeth had just come through, you climbed the stairs and you laughed all the way because you knew you were being naughty.

“They were so close to standing on their own two feet.

“I’m so sorry you never got to grow up.

“Our little Zack – Mommy and Daddy love you so much, you don’t deserve all this.

“You were such a happy, cheeky boy.

“I’m so sorry this 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 lives.

“We know your Aunt Karlene will take the best care of you.”

The family also paid tribute to Ms Warner, who leaves behind a daughter, Everly.

“How can we put into words what a wonderful mother, partner, daughter, sister, granddaughter, aunt, niece and friend Karlene was?” they said.

“You light up every room you enter like the bright shining diamond that you were.

“You leave behind the most precious daughter, Everly, and she will know how amazing and special you were.

“There was so much you could look forward to in life and it was taken away from you.

“You did everything humanly possible to help everyone and cared so much for others, always putting others before yourself.

“Her crazy, sassy, ​​funny, beautiful presence will always be remembered and is so evident in her beautiful little daughter.

“You may be gone, but you live on in Everly.

“Life goes on for us, but we don’t know how to carry on without you both.

“You found your soul mate in Keiran and he loved you so much and will cherish the memories you, he and Everly shared.

“It brings us comfort to know that you are with our beautiful Zackary and that you are together.

“Sleep tight, Karlene, and fly high forever. You are loved beyond measure.”

A 38-year-old man from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, was arrested at the scene.

He was charged with negligent homicide in road traffic and possession of a knife object.

He was due to appear at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court on Monday.