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 hit by an Audi Q5 at 3.15am.
The aunt and nephew were fatally injured and died instantly, while the grieving mother was hospitalized with minor injuries.
A 38-year-old man, from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, was taken into custody at the 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 paid a touching tribute to Karlene Warner (pictured) and her late nephew.
He faces two counts of causing death by dangerous driving and also a charge of possessing a sharp article.
He is due to appear at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court today.
Zackary’s grieving parents – Mrs Walker and Jack Blades – have paid a touching tribute to their little boy.
“We are 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 so much happiness to our lives.
“We have had so many incredible memories together as a family that will never be forgotten – thank you for giving us the best Christmas and holidays together during this time.
“You started crawling really early, you loved your food, you started saying mom.
“Your top teeth were just coming out, you were walking up the stairs and you were always laughing while doing it because you knew you were being naughty.
“You were so close to getting back up on your own. I’m so sorry you never grew up.
“Our little Zack, mommy and daddy love you so much you don’t deserve any of this. You were such a happy and cheeky boy,” they added.
“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 we will miss you for the rest of our lives. We know your Aunt Karlene will take the best care of you.
The grieving family also paid tribute to Karlene Walker, 30, who leaves behind a daughter, Everly.
“How can we put into words the incredible mother, partner, daughter, sister, granddaughter, aunt, niece and friend that Karlene was? ” they said.
“You light up every room you enter like the shining diamond you were.
“You leave behind Everly’s most precious daughter, and she will know how amazing and special you were.
“You had so much to look forward to in life and that was taken.
“You would go above and beyond what you could to help anyone and care so much about others, always putting others before yourself.
A 38-year-old man from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, has been charged with two counts of causing death by dangerous driving and possession of a sharp article and is due to appear in court (pictured: Police at the scene of the accident)
“Your crazy, sassy, funny and beautiful presence will stay with us forever and is so evident in your beautiful baby girl. You may be gone, but you continue to live through Everly.
They added: “Life for us will go on but we don’t know how to go on without you two.
“You had found your soulmate in Keiran, and he loved you so much and will cherish the memories you, him and Everly shared together.
“We find comfort in knowing that you are with our beautiful Zackary and that you are together.
“Sleep well Karlene and fly high forever. You are loved beyond measure.
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