Baby boy and aunt, 30, are both killed in horror car crash as tot’s devastated mum says ‘you are loved beyond measure’

A HEARTBROKEN mum who lost her baby and sister in a horror crash has opened up about the tragedy.

Karlene Warner, 30, and eight-month-old Zackary Blades were killed instantly in the smash on the A1 motorway near Durham on Friday.

The 30-year-old's sister and Zackary's mum Shalorna Warner, 26, is now battling to come to grips with the horror.

The devastated woman was behind the wheel when tragedy struck and was taken to hospital with minor injuries.

A South Yorkshire man, 38, was arrested at the scene and will appear in court today.

He has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving and possession of a bladed article.

The pair's heartbroken family have now paid tribute, saying they "found comfort" in the fact the auntie and nephew "are together".

The loved ones described Zackary as a "happy, cheeky boy" who never got to grow up.

Karlene, a mum of one, was hailed a "bright shining diamond" who had so much to look forward to in life.

The devastated family, along with Zackary's dad Jack Blades, have now paid tribute to the wee boy.

They said: "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.

"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."

They said the tot loved his food, started to say mama, and his top teeth had just started coming through.

The loved ones continued: "You were climbing the stairs and would always laugh while doing it because you knew you were being naughty.

"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 find comfort knowing that you are with our beautiful Zackary and you are together. Sleep tight Karlene and fly high forever.

"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.

"Rest in peace our gorgeous little boy, you will never be forgotten Zackary William Blades."

The family also paid tribute to Karlene - who leaves behind her daughter Everly.

They wrote: "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 and 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.

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."