Tributes paid to ‘wonderful’ local grandad killed in crash as he returned home from holiday

The tragic incident took place last Friday night.
John Wood had just come back from a motorbiking trip across Europe (Image: Northumbria Police)John Wood had just come back from a motorbiking trip across Europe (Image: Northumbria Police)
John Wood had just come back from a motorbiking trip across Europe (Image: Northumbria Police)

The family of a local man killed in a motorbike tragedy on Friday night have paid tributes to the 'wonderful' dad and grandad.

John Wood, a 62-year-old man from Blyth was killed in a crash on Friday, September 24 near the A69 slip road at Denton Burn.

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John was returning home to the North East from a motorbike holiday adventure when the accident happened.

Northumbria Police were alerted to the incident at around 8:55 pm on Friday, officers receiving a report of a collision involving a car and a motorbike on the A1 northbound.

For reasons yet to be established, a grey Audi A3 collided with a motorcycle which resulted in the rider being knocked off his bike.

Emergency services attended the scene but couldn't save John, who sadly died at the scene.

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Today John's family said: “John’s passion in life has always been cars, bikes and travelling.

"John had just completed a 15-day motorbike holiday in which he had covered thousands of miles visiting some of his favourite locations in France and Spain.

“He was returning home to the North East from his latest adventure when he was involved in the fatal incident.

“John was a hugely proud and dedicated family man who leaves behind a wife of 39 years, two children and six grandchildren who he could not have loved any more than he already did.

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“This was a very sudden and unexpected death that has shocked our family and friends.

“We now ask that people remember John for the wonderful person he was and be respectful of the circumstances surrounding his tragic death.

"Please also take extra care and look out for motorcyclists when driving on the roads."

A search was launched following the incident to locate the Audi, after its occupants had already left the scene by the time emergency services arrived.

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Two people, a 36-year-old man and a 28-year-old woman, have been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and since been released under investigation.

Officers are now appealing for anybody who was in the area and believes to have seen grey Audi A3 in the hours preceding and after the collision to come forward.

Sergeant Dave Roberts, of Northumbria Police’s motor patrols team, said: “This is a tragic incident and our thoughts go out to John’s family and friends at this awful time.

“We are committed to getting answers for his family and finding out the circumstances surrounding this collision, which has resulted in the most devastating of consequences.

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“Today, I am asking for the public’s help. Were you driving on the A1 around that time, and do you have dashcam footage? If so, please take a look and let me know if you see a grey Audi A3 that is acting suspiciously.

“I would like to thank everyone who has already come forward with information to assist our investigation, especially witnesses at the scene who provided statements. It is hugely appreciated.”

Anyone with information is being asked to contact Northumbria Police via the 'Tell Us Something' page of the website and quoting NP-20210924-1085.