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Former Aviva CEO killed in 'fireball' crash after Aston Martin hits tree

David Barral, 63, died at the scene of the collision near Wetherby, West Yorkshire

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David Barral, former CEO of Aviva, died after his Aston Martin crashed near Wetherby, West Yorkshire
David Barral, former CEO of Aviva, died after his Aston Martin crashed near Wetherby, West Yorkshire. Picture: Handout

By Alex Storey

The family of the former boss of Aviva have paid tribute to him as "the most wonderful man" after he died in a car crash in West Yorkshire.

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David Barral, 63, was driving a grey Aston Martin DBX SUV which crashed into a tree on the A58 Leeds Road between Bardsey and Collingham just after 2pm on Tuesday, West Yorkshire Police said.

Officers said Mr Barral, who according to LinkedIn was the chief executive of the insurance firm from 2011 to 2015, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash.

His family paid tribute to him, saying "you will always fill our hearts".

In a statement, they said: "We are all absolutely devastated at the loss of the most wonderful man.

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West Yorkshire Police confirmed they are investigating and are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

Paying tribute to him, Mr Barral's family said: "We are all absolutely devastated at the loss of the most wonderful man.

"Rest in peace David we will all miss you so, so much and you will always fill our hearts. We love you."

"Rest in peace David, we will all miss you so, so much and you will always fill our hearts. We love you."

An Aviva spokesperson said: "We are very sad to hear of the death of David Barral, a much-valued former colleague and leader at Aviva.

"Our deepest condolences and prayers go to David's family at this time."

Officers from West Yorkshire Police's major collision inquiry team are appealing for anyone who saw the collision or the car in the time leading up to the incident to contact them.

They would particularly like to hear from anyone with dashcam or CCTV footage.

Anyone with information is urged to contact West Yorkshire Police online at westyorkshire.police.uk/LiveChat or by calling 101 quoting reference 13250591258.