Tributes To A Couple Killed In A1 Crash

20 May 2013, 07:05 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

A couple from Teesside have been killed after a crash on the A1 Western Bypass in Gateshead.

21 year old Matthew David Lee from Ingleby Barwick and his girlfriend, Marie Brown aged 19, from Middlesbrough died following the motorbike crash near Swalwell at around 8.40pm, on Friday, May 17th

Police are continuing to appeal for anyone who witnessed the collision or saw the motorcycle before the collision to contact them.

Sergeant Steve Templeman of the Road Safety Unit said:
"We are still trying to piece together the events leading up to the collision and we need to speak to anyone who saw the red Triumph motorcycle travelling south from the direction of Denton Burn, in the moments leading up to the collision."

A 31-year-old man who was arrested in connection with the incident has been bailed for enquiries.

Enquiries are ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 ext 69191.

Family statements

David and Susan Lee and their children James and Hannah:
"Matthew was a kind, generous and thoughtful boy, who was full of life and enthusiasm.

He was a hard worker who had recently completed his apprenticeship as a steel fabricator and welder - passing with flying colours.

He loved his motorcycles and was a member of a club called Teesside Bikers.

Every day when he finished work he would spend his afternoons out on his motorbike, weather permitting.

He was also passionate about movies and loved going to the cinema.

He was a loving son and brother and it is hard to describe how much we will miss his cheeky grin and having him with us."

Lyn and Peter Brown, and their children Steven, Peter and Elaine:
"It is devastating to lose Marie like this when all her life should have been ahead of her.

She was a bright, lovely, popular girl and she will be missed by everyone who knew her."