Middlesbrough schools close early for funeral of teen killed in A66 crash
Several schools in Middlesbrough will dismiss pupils early today as families travel to Theo Rae’s funeral after the fatal A66 collision.
Middlesbrough Council confirmed that four schools will end the day ahead of schedule to accommodate travel to Theo Rae’s funeral at Teesside Crematorium, Acklam. Rae was among five teenagers killed when a Volkswagen Passat traveling the wrong way struck a police vehicle on the A66 on August 22, also killing two officers, PC Matthew Blades and PC Tom Clough. Outwood Academy Acklam will close at 12:15 pm, Newham Bridge Primary at 1 pm, while Acklam Whin Primary and Green Lane School will dismiss at 1:15 pm after lunch.
The council warned of possible afternoon traffic delays and emphasized that each school made the decision after assessing safety for pupils, staff and families. The move follows similar early closures after the funeral of another victim, Jakub Matusiak, which drew criticism from Conservative MP Laura Trott and comments from Education Secretary Lucy Powell about community anxiety.
