"Loving and generous” mum and dad die alongside pet dog “they loved very much” in horror crash
A "loving and generous” mum and dad have died in a horror crash alongside the pet dog “they loved very much”.
The heartbroken family of a mum and dad who died in a horror crash have described the couple as "loving and generous”. Christine Routledge, 66, and husband Stephen, 64 died alongside their pet dog who “they loved very much”.
Mr and Mrs Routledge were killed when a HGV ploughed into them on the A1 near Buckton, Northumberland on Wednesday morning (January 14). Police and emergency crews rushed to the scene at around 7.40am.
Despite desperate attempts to save him, Mr Routledge died at the scene and his wife was rushed to hospital but died a short time later from massive injuries. The couple, from Berwick, Northumberland, had been travelling with their pet dog, Bear, who also died in the collision.
Northumbria Police say a lorry travelling northbound collided with the couple’s car and an Audi which were both on the southbound carriageway.
In a statement, the couple’s devastated family paid tribute to them. They said: “Our parents were loving, generous, and deeply devoted to our family. They were the foundation of our lives – always offering support, guidance, and unconditional love.
“They were amazing grandparents to our 10 children who are going to miss them deeply. Their sudden passing in a car accident with their dog Bear who they loved very much has left a profound emptiness that words cannot fully express.
“They lived with kindness and integrity, touching the lives of many through their warmth and selflessness. While we are devastated by this loss, we are grateful for the memories, values, and love they gave us, which will continue to guide us every day. We are comforted by the fact they are all together.”
The lorry driver and the driver of the Audi were both taken to hospital but have since been discharged. A man in his 30s who was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving has been released under investigation.
Sergeant Dave Roberts said: “Our thoughts remain with the family and loved ones of Mr and Mrs Routledge at this devastating time. We continue to offer them any support we can.
“If you do have details which could assist us in our enquiries, please get in touch so that we can ascertain exactly what took place and provide Mr and Mrs Routledge’s family with the answers they deserve.”
Anybody with information or footage of the moments leading up to the collision should send Northumbria Police a direct message via social media, or by using live chat and report forms on the force’s website.