FATHER CHARGED AFTER HIS SON’S FUNERAL DESCENDS INTO CHAOS — THE A66 TRAGEDY TAKES ANOTHER SHOCKING TURN

What was supposed to be a final farewell for a 17-year-old victim of the devastating A66 crash was reportedly disrupted by a confrontation inside the funeral service.

Now, his father is facing criminal charges.

Gye Worthy, 39, the father of Cole Worthy, 17, has been charged following a disturbance at his son’s funeral at Teesside Crematorium in Middlesbrough.

The incident happened on September 9, 2026, as mourners gathered to remember Cole, one of five young men who died in the A66 collision that also claimed the lives of two police officers.

According to Cleveland Police, officers were called to the crematorium shortly after midday following reports of a disturbance during the service.

A 39-year-old man was initially arrested on suspicion of assault.

Police have since confirmed that Gye Worthy has been charged with common assault, a public-order offence and obstructing police.

He is due to appear before Teesside Magistrates’ Court on October 2.

A FAREWELL THAT TURNED INTO A POLICE INCIDENT

Cole’s funeral was intended to give his family, friends and loved ones an opportunity to say goodbye.

Instead, the ceremony was reportedly interrupted after Gye Worthy took issue with comments made during the service.

The exact circumstances surrounding the confrontation remain the subject of the court process, and the allegations against Worthy have not been proven.

Police responded quickly, and the service was later able to continue.

The incident has added another painful chapter to a tragedy that has already shaken Middlesbrough and surrounding communities.

WHO WAS COLE WORTHY?

Cole was just 17 years old when he died in the A66 crash on August 22.

He was one of five young men travelling in a Volkswagen Passat when the vehicle became involved in a police pursuit and later collided with a marked police vehicle.

Two Cleveland Police officers — PC Matthew Blades, 37, and PC Tom Clough, 38 — also lost their lives in the collision.

The crash claimed seven lives in total.

The incident has since triggered multiple investigations, public debate and a major police operation in the Middlesbrough area.

A FAMILY ALREADY LIVING THROUGH AN UNIMAGINABLE LOSS

For Cole’s family, his funeral was supposed to be about remembering the teenager they loved.

His memorial described him as a beloved son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, boyfriend and friend.

But instead of being remembered only for the life he lived, his final farewell has now become part of another headline.

The charges against his father mean the family’s grief has been followed by another highly publicized legal battle.

And with Gye Worthy due in court next month, questions remain over exactly what happened inside the crematorium that day.

THE A66 CASE CONTINUES TO UNFOLD

The funeral disturbance comes as police continue dealing with the wider aftermath of the A66 tragedy.

Funerals for those who died have drawn large crowds, while authorities have maintained a heightened police presence in Middlesbrough amid concerns about possible disorder.

PC Blades and PC Clough were also given highly attended funerals, with around 1,000 police officers and soldiers joining members of the public to pay tribute to the officers.

For Cole’s family, however, the focus remains much more personal.

A teenage son was lost.

A family came to say goodbye.

And now, the father who came to mourn him is facing a court appearance.

What really happened inside the funeral service?

That question may become clearer when the case returns to court on October 2.

All allegations against Gye Worthy remain allegations unless and until proven in court.