A66 CRASH TRAGEDY TAKES SHOCKING TURN AS FATHER IS CHARGED AFTER HIS SON’S FUNERAL

THE FUNERAL OF 17-YEAR-OLD COLE WORTHY WAS DISRUPTED BY A DISTURBANCE — AND NOW HIS FATHER IS FACING THREE CHARGES.

The funeral of a 17-year-old boy killed in the devastating A66 crash took an unexpected turn when police were called to the service — and the teenager’s father was later charged.

Gye Worthy, 39, has been charged with common assault, a public order offence and obstructing police following a disturbance during the funeral of his son, Cole Worthy, at Teesside Crematorium on Wednesday, September 9.

Cleveland Police said officers responded to reports of a disturbance during the service at around 12:30 p.m. A 39-year-old man was initially arrested on suspicion of assault before being charged. He is due to appear before Teesside Magistrates’ Court on October 2.

A FUNERAL THAT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE ABOUT COLE

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

The crash involved a Volkswagen Passat travelling the wrong way along the A66 and a marked police vehicle. Cole, along with Michael Robert Cahill, Theo Rae, Jakub Matusiak and Makai Saddington, died in the collision.

PC Matthew Blades, 37, and PC Tom Clough, 38, also lost their lives.

The tragedy has since triggered intense public attention and a series of emotional funerals across Middlesbrough and the surrounding area.

Cole’s family described him as a beloved son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, boyfriend and friend.

His memorial announcement called him “our beautiful boy” and said he would be remembered forever.

DISTURBANCE INTERRUPTS THE SERVICE

According to reports, the disturbance began after Gye Worthy allegedly took exception to comments made during the ceremony.

Police were called to the crematorium, where officers intervened and arrested the 39-year-old man.

The funeral service was able to resume after the incident.

A family friend later thanked mourners for attending despite the difficult circumstances, saying the enormous turnout showed just how deeply Cole was loved.

Cole’s mother, Natalie McConnell, was reportedly left “devastated and shocked” by what happened during her son’s funeral.

FATHER NOW FACING COURT

Cleveland Police confirmed that Worthy is now facing three allegations: common assault, a public order offence and obstructing police.

He is scheduled to appear at Teesside Magistrates’ Court on October 2.

The charges are allegations only, and Worthy has not been convicted of any offence.

There is also no suggestion that Gye Worthy was involved in organised crime. Police previously said the five young men travelling in the Passat had links to organised crime, but that allegation does not extend to Cole’s father.

A COMMUNITY STILL GRIEVING

The latest incident comes as Middlesbrough remains under intense scrutiny following the A66 tragedy and a series of disturbances surrounding funerals and memorials for the young men.

Police have deployed hundreds of additional specialist officers in an effort to prevent further disorder.

At the same time, separate emotional services have been held for the two police officers who died in the crash.

PC Matthew Blades was remembered by hundreds of colleagues, family members and members of the public, while PC Tom Clough’s funeral also drew a huge crowd.

For Cole’s family, however, the focus was supposed to be much simpler: saying goodbye to a 17-year-old son whose life ended far too soon.

Instead, his final farewell was interrupted by a disturbance that has now resulted in criminal charges.

And as the wider A66 investigation continues, Cole’s family is facing yet another painful chapter in a tragedy that has already claimed seven lives.