Tributes paid to much loved man who died in Hamsterley collision

“Andrew, you were loved more than words can ever say, and you will be missed every single day.”

These are the words of the heartbroken family of Andrew Lowther who died when the van he was travelling in was involved in a collision with a tractor.

The incident happened in Crane Lane Row, Hamsterley on Wednesday (September 23) evening.

The 60-year-old, from the Butterknowle area, sustained critical injuries during the incident and was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

Today his family paid tribute to him, saying: “It is with the heaviest of hearts that the family of Andrew Lowther would like to let friends, family and loved ones, both near and far, know of the tragic loss of Andrew.

“There are simply no words to describe the pain of losing someone so deeply loved. Andrew was a devoted husband, dad, grandad, son, brother, uncle and friend, and he meant so much to so many people.

“Our hearts are broken, and we are trying to come to terms with the devastating loss of such a special person. Andrew leaves behind so many precious memories that we will carry with us forever.

“As a family, we would like to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has reached out to us with messages, calls, flowers, cards and kind words. Every single message and gesture of support has meant so much to us during this heartbreaking time.

“We ask that you please continue to give our family some privacy as we come to terms with our loss and support one another.

“Andrew, you were loved more than words can ever say, and you will be missed every single day.

“Forever in our hearts.”

The family will share funeral details with family and friends once arrangements have been made.

Officers would like to speak to any witnesses, or those who may have dashcam footage of the vehicles leading up to the collision.

If you can help, please contact Durham Constabulary’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit by email at [email protected] quoting incident number 413 of September 23.