EVEN ON THE FINAL DAY OF SAYING FAREWELL TO THEIR SON, THIS FAMILY WAS HIT BY ANOTHER SHOCK

The family of 17-year-old Cole Worthy, one of five young men killed in the devastating A66 crash, had gathered to say their final goodbye.

But before the funeral was over, police were called to the crematorium after a disturbance — and Cole’s own father was arrested.

Cole’s funeral was held at Teesside Crematorium in Middlesbrough on Wednesday, September 9, weeks after the crash that claimed seven lives.

The teenager was among five young men traveling in a Volkswagen Passat that collided head-on with a marked police vehicle on the A66 in the early hours of August 22. Two armed response officers, PC Matthew Blades, 37, and PC Tom Clough, 38, also died in the collision.

POLICE SUDDENLY ARRIVED DURING THE FUNERAL

At around 12:30 p.m., Cleveland Police officers rushed to Teesside Crematorium following reports of a disturbance inside the funeral service.

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

Police remained in the area afterward to provide reassurance, while the funeral service was able to resume.

The man was later identified as Gye Worthy, Cole’s father.

By the following day, Cleveland Police confirmed that he had been charged with common assault, a public-order offence and obstructing police.

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

ANOTHER SHOCK FOR A FAMILY ALREADY IN GRIEF

The arrest added another painful chapter to a tragedy that has already shaken Middlesbrough.

Cole’s death came amid an ongoing police operation surrounding the A66 crash and concerns about disorder at several funerals connected to those who died.

Earlier funerals had prompted significant police deployments and concerns about traffic disruption and public safety, with Cleveland Police bringing in additional officers to the area.

Yet for Cole’s family, Wednesday was supposed to be about one thing: saying goodbye to their son.

Instead, police activity unfolded inside the crematorium while mourners were gathered to remember him.

The funeral was eventually able to continue, but the incident left the day marked by another unexpected and deeply emotional development.

Cole Worthy was one of seven people who died in the A66 collision.

Now, even the final farewell to the 17-year-old has become part of the wider story surrounding the tragedy — one that continues to unfold weeks after the crash.

Gye Worthy has been charged and has not been convicted. The allegations against him will be tested in court.