Heartbroken family's tribute to Seaham dad Tom Dixon who died in car crash

A ‘larger than life character’ with a ‘thunder-like laugh that made everyone smile’. That’s how a heartbroken family has described a Seaham dad-of-two who tragically lost his life in a car crash.
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Tom Dixon died at the scene of a collision on the A1231 Sunderland Highway on Sunday, November 1.

The 30-year-old, who is dad to four-year-old Marshall and three-year-old Evelyn, has been described as a ‘giant amongst men’ who was kind to everyone.

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Loved ones have made touching tributes to the electrician and within just 24 hours, more than £1,000 has been raised through a Just Giving page set up to help cover funeral costs and support his grieving family.

Left: Tom with son Marshall. Top right: Tom with sister Katie-Jayne. Bottom right: Tom and mum Jan.Left: Tom with son Marshall. Top right: Tom with sister Katie-Jayne. Bottom right: Tom and mum Jan.
Left: Tom with son Marshall. Top right: Tom with sister Katie-Jayne. Bottom right: Tom and mum Jan.

Tom, who attended Princess Road Infant and Junior school and Seaham School of Technology, followed in his father’s footsteps to train as an electrician and worked for British Gas, Nissan and most recently at DPD.

At 8.30am on Sunday, emergency services rushed to the scene of a crash after a black Citroen DS3, which was travelling on the eastbound carriageway of the A1231, left the road before coming to rest in Washington Academy’s school field.

Tom was tragically pronounced dead at the scene and Northumbria Police investigation is ongoing to determine the circumstances around the crash.

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The Seaham lad, who always put his family first, leaves behind children Marshall and Evelyn, parents Jan and Paul, sister Katie-Jayne, grandparents Audrey and John, and niece and goddaughter Ophelia-Jayne.

Left: Tom pictured with niece and goddaughter Ophelia-Jayne. Right: Daughter Evelyn, son Marshall and niece Ophelia-Jayne.Left: Tom pictured with niece and goddaughter Ophelia-Jayne. Right: Daughter Evelyn, son Marshall and niece Ophelia-Jayne.
Left: Tom pictured with niece and goddaughter Ophelia-Jayne. Right: Daughter Evelyn, son Marshall and niece Ophelia-Jayne.

Now, his family has vowed to ensure his two young children know what a ‘beautiful soul’ their dad had.

Speaking to the Echo, his family said in tribute: “Tom was a larger than life character with such a big heart who had time for everyone - his family his friends or a stranger in the street.

"He was a lovable young man who had a fabulous sense of humour with a loud, thunder-like laugh that made everyone smile and boy did he have a smile.

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"A giant amongst men who was unbelievably caring to everyone which in these current times – in a world that can be unkind – he was kind to everyone regardless of who they were or background.

Dad Paul with Tom on a bike ride.Dad Paul with Tom on a bike ride.
Dad Paul with Tom on a bike ride.
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"He had a passion for the great outdoors, exploring on his bike and took great pleasure in capturing beautiful images with his camera.

"He has lifelong friends a lot from nursery, primary, senior schools, right up to now as a adult. He met new people and made great friends on a regular basis.

"His friends were always loyal. They all loved him dearly and really were his second family.

Tom was loved by so many. Pictured with friends (clockwise from top right). Kevin Hardy, Cosh Kennedy, Scott Savage and Christopher Thynne.Tom was loved by so many. Pictured with friends (clockwise from top right). Kevin Hardy, Cosh Kennedy, Scott Savage and Christopher Thynne.
Tom was loved by so many. Pictured with friends (clockwise from top right). Kevin Hardy, Cosh Kennedy, Scott Savage and Christopher Thynne.
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“He adored his children Marshall and Evelyn. They were the light of his life, his everything, his world. We as family and friends will ensure that they are aware of what a beautiful soul he was. Our gorgeous, gorgeous boy.

"Our town, Seaham, have really pulled together and showed such amazing love and support towards him. We will never forget this.

“We would like to thank the police for the help they have given us and to the eye witness who came forward and help towards discovering what had happened.

“We’re so grateful for the mortuary staff at Sunderland Royal Hospital who looked after our Tom.

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"And of course our family and friends, the tributes, cards, flowers, messages, stories of our darling Tom have been beautiful to see. He will be so overwhelmed, as are we, with the love everyone has shared towards him.”

Donate to the Just Giving page: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/tomdixon

A Just Giving page has been set up to support Tom's family.A Just Giving page has been set up to support Tom's family.
A Just Giving page has been set up to support Tom's family.

An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision is ongoing and officers have urged any witnesses to come forward.

PC Thomas Wade, of Northumbria Police’s motor patrols department, said: “This was a tragic incident that sadly resulted in Tom’s death and our thoughts go out to his family and friends as they attempt to come to terms with their loss.

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“We will continue to offer them any support they need at this devastating time.

“We are determined to find out the events that immediately preceded this collision and we are again asking members of the public who may have seen anything to come forward.

“If you were driving in the area on Sunday morning, please check any dashcam footage – and let us know if you saw a black Citreon or anything that looks suspicious.

“Your information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, could prove the key to giving Tom’s family the answers they deserve.”

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Anyone with information is asked to contact police via the ‘Tell us Something’ page of our website or by calling 101 quoting log 297 01/11/20. Alternatively, you can email [email protected].

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