The wife of PC Matthew Blades, one of two Cleveland Police officers killed in a devastating collision on the A66, has paid an emotional tribute to her husband, describing him as the family’s “superhero.”
PC Blades died after a marked Cleveland Police armed response vehicle was involved in a collision with a Volkswagen Passat during the early hours of Saturday, 22 August.
In a deeply moving statement, his wife described Matt as her “beloved husband, my best friend, and the most devoted father to our two young boys.”
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’
PC Blades’ wife spoke of the courage, dedication and selflessness he demonstrated through his service as a police officer.
She said:
“He gave his life in the line of duty, serving 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.”
She said their two young sons would grow up knowing what an incredible father Matt was and would always be.
His greatest legacy, she said, would be the love he gave to his family.
Family thank emergency services and police family
PC Blades’ family also thanked the emergency services, Cleveland Police and the wider policing community for the overwhelming support they have received since his death.
His wife said:
“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.”
Her tribute concluded with the heartbreaking words:
“Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever our superhero. Our Matt and Dad ❤️”
PC Blades was one of two Cleveland Police officers who lost their lives in the A66 collision.
PC Tom Clough also died in the incident.
The deaths have prompted an outpouring of tributes from colleagues, emergency services and communities across Cleveland and beyond.
Rest in peace, PC Matthew Blades.
