FUNERAL DESCENDS INTO CHAOS — DAD OF A66 CRASH VICTIM CHARGED AFTER MOURNER ALLEGEDLY ATTACKED

The funeral of 17-year-old Cole Worthy was meant to be a day of grief and remembrance. Instead, the service was disrupted by a disturbance that ended with his father being charged.

The funeral of teenager Cole Worthy, one of five young men killed in the devastating A66 crash, has taken another dramatic turn after his father was charged following a disturbance during the service.

Gye Worthy, 39, was arrested at Teesside Crematorium on Wednesday, September 9, after police were called to reports of a disturbance during Cole’s funeral.

Cleveland Police later confirmed that he had been charged with common assault, public order and obstructing police.

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

A FUNERAL THAT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE ABOUT COLE

Cole, 17, was one of five young men who died in the A66 collision on August 22.

The Volkswagen Passat carrying the five travelled the wrong way along the dual carriageway before colliding with a marked police vehicle.

Cole died alongside Michael Robert Cahill, 23, Theo Rae, 17, Jakub Matusiak, 23, and Makai Saddington, 18.

The crash also claimed the lives of two Cleveland Police officers, PC Matthew Blades, 37, and PC Tom Clough, 38.

Cole’s funeral was held at Teesside Crematorium on September 9.

His family described him as a beloved son, brother, grandson, nephew and cousin, as well as a loving boyfriend and cherished friend.

A tribute described him simply as:

“Our beautiful boy.”

DISTURBANCE INTERRUPTS THE SERVICE

According to Cleveland Police, officers were called at around 12:30 p.m. after reports of a disturbance during the funeral service.

A 39-year-old man was arrested and taken into custody.

Police said the service later resumed, while officers remained in the area to provide reassurance.

The man was subsequently identified as Cole’s father, Gye Worthy, and charged with three offences.

The exact circumstances surrounding the alleged confrontation remain a matter for the court.

COLE’S MUM LEFT “DEVASTATED AND SHOCKED”

The disruption was particularly painful for Cole’s mother, Natalie McConnell, according to a source close to the family.

The couple had separated several years earlier and both had since entered new relationships.

After the service, family friend Sarah Moloney thanked mourners who had turned out to remember Cole.

She said the family’s gratitude was difficult to put into words, describing the teenager as deeply loved and remembered by those closest to him.

A FUNERAL UNDER HEAVY POLICE PRESENCE

Cole’s funeral came during an exceptionally tense period for Middlesbrough.

The A66 crash has been followed by a series of incidents and fears of further disorder connected to tensions between rival groups.

Police deployed around 200 additional specialist officers, including armed officers from other northern forces, to help maintain public safety.

The funerals of several of the five young men have attracted large crowds and, in some cases, controversy over disorder and dangerous behaviour.

Authorities had previously warned of potential disruption surrounding the ceremonies.

Cole’s service took place on the same day as the funeral of PC Matthew Blades in Hartlepool.

While hundreds gathered to honour the fallen officer, Cole’s family was saying goodbye to a 17-year-old whose life had ended in the same horrific crash.

NOW, A COURT DATE LOOMS

Gye Worthy is due to appear in court on October 2.

Being charged does not mean he has been found guilty, and the allegations will be tested through the legal process.

For Cole’s family, however, the latest development adds another painful chapter to a tragedy that has already shaken the community.

A teenager’s funeral was supposed to be a final goodbye.

Instead, the ceremony itself became part of the continuing story surrounding the A66 crash.

And now, the next chapter will play out in court.