Karlene Warner, 30, and Zackary Blades were both killed in the crash on Friday (Picture: PA)
A mum whose baby son and sister were killed in a car crash has paid tribute to them.
Karlene Warner, 30, and eight-month-old Zackary Blades, were killed instantly in their Peugeot 308 when they were hit by an Audi Q5 on the A1 near Durham on Friday.
The pair sustained fatal injuries and were killed instantly at the scene.
Shalorna Warner, 26, and Zackary’s dad Jack Blades, said they are now coming to terms with losing two family members.
Shalorna was driving the car at the time and sustained minor injuries.
A 38-year-old man has been charged with two counts of causing death by dangerous driving and will appear in court today.
The family said in a statement: ‘We are absolutely heartbroken to announce the tragic death of our beautiful son.
‘We only had you in our arms for eight months but in that time, you brought us so much happiness to all our lives.
Zackary was only eight months old when he was killed in the car crash (Picture: Durham Police/PA Wire)
‘We had so many amazing memories together as a family that will never ever be forgotten; thank you for giving us the best Christmas and holiday together in that time.’
The family said Zackary loved his food, started to say mama, and his top teeth had just started coming through.
They continued: ‘You were so close to standing up on your own.
‘I’m so sorry you never got to grow up.
‘Our little Zack – mammy and daddy love you so much, you didn’t deserve any of this.
‘You were such a happy, cheeky boy.
‘I am so sorry this has happened – our hearts are truly broken. We will never forget you, you will always be in our hearts.
‘We miss you so much and will for the rest of our lives.
‘We know your Auntie Karlene will take the best care of you.’
Karlene has been described by her family as a ‘bright shining diamond’ (Picture: Durham Police/PA Wire)
They also paid tribute to Karlene who leaves behind a daughter called Everly.
The family continued: ‘How do we put into words to describe the amazing mother, partner, daughter, sister, granddaughter, auntie, niece, and friend Karlene was?
‘You light up every room you walked into like the bright shining diamond that you were. You leave behind the most precious daughter in Everly, and she will know how amazing and special you were.
‘You had so much to look forward to in life and that has been taken. You would go above and beyond to help anyone and cared so much for others, always putting others before yourself.’
The mum was described as ‘crazy, sassy, funny, and beautiful’, which the family said would stay with them forever through her little girl.
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They said: ‘You may be gone but you live on through Everly.
‘Life for us will continue but we don’t know how to carry on without you both. You had found your soulmate in Keiran, and he loved you so much and will treasure the memories you, him and Everly shared together.
‘We find comfort knowing that you are with our beautiful Zackary and you are together. Sleep tight Karlene and fly high forever. You are loved beyond measure.’
The 38-year-old man will appear at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court today.
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