Father's crash death leaves 'huge void' for family

3 hours ago

Federica BedendoNorth East and Cumbria

News image — Ryan Scarth was pronounced dead at the crash scene near Durham on Saturday

Handout Ryan Scarth died in a crash on the A1(M) near Durham. He has short but thick black hair combed back, a trimmed beard and green eyes. He is wearing a white t-shirt and smiling at the camera. — Ryan Scarth was pronounced dead at the crash scene near Durham on Saturday

A father-of-two who died in a crash at the weekend could light up a room with his "cheeky smile", his family has said.

Ryan Scarth, 31, of Sherburn Village, County Durham, died at the scene of a crash on the A1(M) near Durham at about 02:20 BST on Saturday.

His family said his death had "truly broken us" and had left a "huge void" in their lives and the community.

In a statement, his relatives said: "Ryan was a son, daddy, brother, uncle,and partner. He lived for his two boys, and his memory will live on through them."

They added: "He could walk into a room with his cheeky smile and light it up. We are truly heartbroken."

Durham Police, who previously said the crash involved a red Peugeot 208 which was travelling southbound between junction 61 and 60, has appealed for witnesses to come forward.

Follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram and listen on BBC Sounds.