Tributes flood in following death of '˜loving' grandad Tony Stokoe

Tributes have been paid following the death of a grandad in a horrific road smash.
Tony Stokoe, pictured with wife Marie.Tony Stokoe, pictured with wife Marie.
Tony Stokoe, pictured with wife Marie.

Fifty-year-old Tony Stokoe, from Wheatley Hill, died at the scene after a black BMW 320 collided with his silver Seat Ibiza in Salter’s Lane, Shotton Colliery, just before noon last Saturday.

Tony’s wife Marie, 48, said the father-of-three lived for his family and had recently become a grandfather for the first time.

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Scene of the collision
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Scores of tributes have been paid online, including Martin Robson who wrote: “Sorry for your loss Marie, I’ve known Tony for 16 yrs and worked on different sites with him, he will be a big loss, my deepest sympathy to you and your family.”

Karen Hunt commented: “What a tragedy for the family. Such joy and devastation in a short time. Condolences to his family, friends and colleagues. May he rest in peace xx.”

John Colman said: “Rest in peace Tony mate always in our hearts.”

Dave Hedley wrote: “So sorry for Marie and family, Tony was a good friend and work colleague who I thought a lot of and always kept in touch after I finished work will miss you so much mate God bless, Dave Hedley and family.”

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Amy Hedley added: “So sorry for the family. I know my dad and brother thought a lot of Tony, sounds like he was a lovely man and will be missed by many.”

Lynn Patterson Hogg said: “So sorry for your loss Marie, thinking of you and your family xx”

Sam Long commented: “Absolutely gutted, what a top man, it’s an honour to know him & his family.”

Michael Kirk said: “Still can’t believe you’re gone cuz, love yer... see you in the next life. Say hello to me dad for Es Tony, sleep tight bud xxx”

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Paula Lowther said: “So very sad he was at the best place in life just becoming a granda and to be wiped out like that. R.I.P. Tony.”

Michelle Louise Green wrote: “R.i.p xxx thinking of all your family and friends xxxx.”

Charlie Robson commented: “So sorry Stokoe family RIP granda.”

Laura Blyth commented: “Sorry for your loss Marie xx thoughts are with you and your family x.”

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Linda Podd Mackel wrote: “I don’t know your family Marie, this is so cruel. So sorry for your loss x”

Linda Thomson said: “Much love and prayers that God will give them all the strength to carry on xxx.”

Ryan Gilling, 26, of Hutton Henry, appeared before Peterlee Magistrates’ Court on Monday charged with causing death by dangerous driving.

He was remanded in custody to appear before Durham Crown Court on December 5.

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Two other men, aged 33 and 28 and both from Shotton Colliery, who were arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender have been bailed by Durham Constabulary pending further inquiries.

Anyone who saw the crash is asked to call Durham Constabulary’s collision investigation unit on (0191) 375 2159, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.