TWO fathers have died nearly two months after a head-on road accident.

The crash happened on the A690 near Brandon, County Durham, on Wednesday, November 18.

Kenneth Horsman, from Chester-le-Street, suffered chest and internal injuries and never left hospital. He died on Friday, January 15.

Thomas Cross, from Tow Law, County Durham, suffered an injury to his right leg and shock and was treated in the University Hospital of North Durham, in Durham City.

His injuries were initially not thought to be critical. However, when police tried to contact him to tell him of Mr Horsman’s death, they discovered from his family he had also died, having suffered a heart attack at home on Wednesday, January 13.

The pathologist who carried out a post-mortem examination on Mr Cross concluded the heart attack was almost certainly linked to trauma from the crash.

The crash happened at about 4.30pm near Littlewhite Farm, between Brandon and Brancepeth.

Mr Horsman, 49, was driving a blue Land Rover Freelander towards Brandon when it crossed the carriageway and hit a white Ford Transit van driven by Mr Cross, 52, which was going the opposite way.

After initially being treated in Durham, Mr Horsman was transferred to the Freeman Hospital, Newcastle, where he died.

The two families declined to speak to the media about their loss, but released photographs and family details.

Mr Horsman, known as Ken, leaves a wife Carol, son Graham, 23, and daughter Nicole, 17. He worked for a firm of accountants in Shildon, County Durham.

Mr Cross was known to friends and family as Tommy. He leaves a long-term partner, Valerie, and two sons who are both in their mid-20s.

Inquests into both deaths will be held.