Heartbroken mother pays tribute after crash that killed her eight-month-old baby and sister, 30 – as a man faces court charged with causing death by dangerous driving
- Karlene Warner, 30, and her baby nephew Zackary died at the scene of the crash
- Zackary’s mother Shalorna Walker sustained minor injuries in the collision
- A man, 38, from Rotherham has been arrested and is due appear in court
A heartbroken mother whose eight-month old baby and sister were killed in a crash has paid tribute to her family.
Eight-month-old Zackary Blades and his aunt Karlene, 30 – who was also a mother – died after their car was involved in a collision in the early hours of Friday morning.
Zackary’s mother Shalorna Warner was driving the Peugeot 308 between Chester-le-Street and Durham when they were struck by an Audi Q5 at 3.15am.
The aunt and nephew had fatal injuries and died at the scene, while the grieving mother was hospitalised with minor injuries.
A 38-year-old man Rotherham, South Yorkshire, was taken into custody at time of the collision, which took place on the A1 southbound, and has now been charged.
Eight-month old Zackary Blades (pictured) and his aunt Karlene, 30 died after their car was involved in a horror crash in the early hours of Friday morning
The grieving family have released a touching tribute to both Karlene Warner (pictured) and her late nephew
He faces two counts of causing death by dangerous driving and also a charge of possessing a bladed article.
He is due to appear at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court today.
Zackary’s grieving parents – Ms Walker and Jack Blades – have now released a touching tribute to their baby boy.
‘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,’ they added.
‘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 lives. We know your Auntie Karlene will take the best care of you.’
The mourning family also paid tribute to 30-year-old Karlene Walker, who leaves behind a daughter, Everly.
‘How do we put into words to describe the amazing mother, partner, daughter, sister, granddaughter, auntie, niece, and friend Karlene was?’ they said.
‘You light up every room you walked into like the bright shining diamond that you were.
‘You leave behind the most precious daughter in Everly, and she will know how amazing and special you were.
‘You had so much to look forward to in life and that has been taken.
‘You would go and above and beyond to help anyone and cared so much for others, always putting others before yourself.
A 38-year-old man Rotherham, South Yorkshire, has been charged with two counts of causing death by dangerous driving and possession of a bladed article and is due to appear in court (pictured: police at the scene of the crash)
‘Your crazy, sassy, funny, beautiful, presence will stay with us forever and is so evident in your beautiful little girl. You may be gone but you live on through Everly.’
They added: ‘Life for us will continue but we don’t know how to carry on without you both.
‘You had found your soulmate in Keiran, and he loved you so much and will treasure the memories you, him and Everly shared together.
‘We find comfort knowing that you are with our beautiful Zackary and you are together.
‘Sleep tight Karlene and fly high forever. You are loved beyond measure.’
References
- ^ Shannon Mcguigan (www.dailymail.co.uk)