Tributes To A1 Crash Death Victim

23 April 2015, 11:01 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

A man who died in a crash on the A1 in Gateshead's been named as 23 year old Ryan Mark Charlton from Low Fell.

Ryan was known as "Curly" to his friends, and died in the crash early on Sunday morning.

His family have released the following statement:

"Ryan was a funny, happy boy. He was always making people laugh with his silly faces and voices. He was loved and treasured so much by his family and friends. We have had our world turned upside down and our hearts ripped out.

His passing has left a huge hole in our lives and life will never be the same again for us.

We would like to thank everybody for their support and beautiful cards and floral tributes we have received at this time. 

We would also like to thank Northumbria Police, with special thanks to PCs Gary Morris and Steve Ford for all their help and support in which is a desperately sad time for us.

Most of all we would like to send our thanks and love to Ryan's friends who I know he loved very much and have been absolutely amazing for him."

Police are continuing to appeal for witnesses into the collision and are asking anyone who was on the A1 in the Dunston area in the early hours of Sunday morning to get in contact.

A 31-year-old man arrested in connection with the collision has been released on police bail.

Any witnesses should contact Northumbria Police on 101 ext 69191 quoting reference 238 190415.

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UPDATED 19th April 2015

A 24-year-old man has died following a crash near the Angel of the North and a 20-year-old man has been injured.

He was taken to hospital in a critical condition but pronounced dead later.

The A1 southbound is closed between Bowes Inclines and the A1231 to allow officers to carry out enquiries into the collision.

Diversions are in place into Birtley and to Blind Lane where motorists can rejoin the A1 and the road is expected to remain closed until lunchtime.

Additional officers are in the area to assist with traffic management and ensure disruption is kept to a minimum.

Police are appealing for witnesses and asking any motorists on the A1 in the Dunston area earlier this morning to get in contact.

It's believed a taxi was on the A1 at the time and may have witnessed the collision, officers are keen for the driver and any passengers who may have seen what happened to contact them.