Tributes paid to man who died in A69 crash

John Weeks, 62, died following a two-vehicle crash on the eastbound carriageway near Haydon Bridge on May 10. 

A second man, aged 68, was taken to hospital with serious injuries. Northumbria Police has said he remains there in a stable condition.

John, who is survived by his wife Julie and daughters Helen and Sarah, played for Humshaugh Cricket Club for more than 30 years.

David Neal, the club's secretary, said: "The tragic, sudden loss of John is a big blow to Humshaugh CC and without exception, members have expressed their shock and sadness, which can be summed up by the comment of one member 'He was one of the very best."

John's early life was spent in Haltwhistle, and he played for Haltwhistle CC firstly as a Junior and later in the Senior XI's.

Throughout his playing career he was noted as a steady competent batsman with a safe pair of hands in the field, and was affectionately referred to as "Weeksy the Wall".

Following a move to live in Hexham in 1986, he joined Humshaugh CC. In 1992 he scored a maiden 50 in a match at Wylam, which included some uncharacteristic lusty blows towards the river, for which he was awarded his club cap.

Humshaugh won the West Tyne League Division 1 title for the first time in the club's history in 1996 and John was a valuable member of the XI.

The Humshaugh CC Title winning team from 1996. John Weeks is second from left, front row. (Image: David Neal)

He was also a member of the teams that followed up this initial success by winning the League KO Cup in 1997 and the League Title again in 1998.

In later years John played mainly 2nd XI cricket until finally hanging up his boots in 2021.

The club described John as someone who was very encouraging and supportive of young players coming into the club, many of whom are now key members of the successful 1st XI who have won League and Cup titles over the past five seasons, and the 2nd XI who won the Div. 2 title in 2020.

John and his family were also very involved in the club's social and fundraising events such as jumble sales, coffee mornings, quiz nights and presentation nights.

Alongside cricket, John played competitive badminton and represented Haltwhistle, Haydon Bridge and Whitley Chapel in the Tynedale and Northumberland leagues with his wife Julie.

Following the crash, Sergeant Michael Parnaby said: "This is an incredibly tragic incident which has resulted in one man sadly losing his life. Our thoughts are with his loved ones while they come to terms with what has happened."

Police also appealed for witnesses and dash-cam footage.