Family pay tribute to 'devoted' great-grandfather who died after collision on Beehive Road near Earsdon

Police received a report at around 11.10am on Tuesday, August 27, of a two-vehicle collision on Hartley Lane, locally known as the Beehive Road, close to Earsdon.

It was reported that a Honda Jazz car and a Nissan Micra car collided near to the Beehive Public House.

Emergency services attended and the driver of the Micra– who can now be named as 90-year-old Ridley Potts – was found to have sustained serious injuries.

Ridley, of the Low Fell area of Gateshead, was taken to hospital but sadly passed away on Friday, August 30.

Ridley’s heartbroken family have now paid an emotional tribute to a father, grandfather and great-grandfather who will be ‘dearly missed by all’.

They said: “Ridley was a devoted dad, father in law, grandad and great grandad and a good friend to many.

“He was a retired painter and decorating business owner who spent much of his time involved with the Felling Male Voice Choir of which he was a long serving member.

“Ridley will be dearly missed by all of his loving family and friends.”

The driver of the Honda Jazz car – a woman aged 83 – also sustained serious injuries in the collision.

She remains in hospital in a stable condition.

Northumbria Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) continue to investigate the collision, and officers are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the moments leading up to the incident to contact them.

They are also keen to speak with anyone who may have dashcam footage or CCTV which could assist their enquiries.

Sergeant John Sanderson, of Northumbria Police’s SCIU, said: “All of our thoughts remain with Ridley’s loved ones following this tragic incident.

“We will continue to support them in any way they can as they attempt to process their devastating loss.”

Sgt Sanderson added: “Our investigation remains ongoing, and we are determined to establish the full circumstances surrounding this collision.

“Anyone with any information– no matter how small or insignificant they may deem it to be – should contact us as soon as possible.”