Former Aviva CEO David Barral has died after his Aston Martin crashed and burst into flames in West Yorkshire. His family described him as “the most wonderful man” as police launch an investigation into the fatal accident.
Former Aviva boss David Barral has died after his Aston Martin crashed and caught fire near Wetherby in West Yorkshire. The 63-year-old was driving a grey Aston Martin DBX SUV when it left the A58 Leeds Road between Bardsey and Collingham shortly after 2pm on Tuesday.
In a statement, his 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.”
Mr Barral led Aviva Life and Pensions between 1999 and 2015, becoming UK and Ireland chief executive in 2011. Aviva said: “We are devastated by the loss of David. His contributions to the company and the broader business world were immeasurable.”
Police have appealed for witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage to contact the Major Collision Enquiry Team via 101, quoting reference 13250591258. Mr Barral, a father of three, lived in Harrogate, North Yorkshire.