Former Aviva boss David Barral has died in a ‘fireball’ crash after his Aston Martin car veered off the road and collided with a tree. 

His family has now paid tribute to the 63-year-old businessman following his death near Wetherby in West Yorkshire.

Police are investigating the incident and have appealed for any witnesses to come forward with information.

Mr Barral was driving a grey Aston Martin DBX SUV when the crash happened on 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 and you will always fill our hearts. We love you.’

Mr Barral had leadership roles at Aviva Life and Pensions between 1999 and 2015, and was made UK and Ireland chief executive in 2011. 

A spokesperson for Aviva 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.’

The businessman’s 30-year career included non-executive chairman roles at Virgin Wines and investment platform Embark Group, as well as being a senior independent director at insurance firm LV=. 

He was most recently a strategic adviser at investment group Harwood Capital. 

In previous interviews, he told of his career in the insurance industry – including as a door-to-door salesman with Abbey Life.

He said: ‘Abbey was a really tough job, I was only 18 and I was probably too young to sustain it.

‘I did get my wife’s engagement ring with my third month’s salary, though.’

He went on to work for Guardian Royal Exchange as a claim negotiator then ran brokers Andrew Yule Insurance for three years where he walked the streets at lunchtime looking for trade. 

Mr Barral said previously that his life ambition was ‘to be the best that I can and see my children healthy, happy and debt-free. I would also like to catch a Marlin and ride a Harley’.

Father-of-three Mr Barral was born in East Kilbride in South Lanarkshire, Scotland.

Comments posted on Facebook following news of his death have included ‘Rest in peace, a lovely man. Sending love to his family’.

Another poster wrote: ‘Sincere condolences to all his family. I met David a number of times when working for a supplier to Aviva. He was always welcoming and giving of his time.’

Officers from West Yorkshire Police’s Major Collision Enquiry Team are appealing for anyone who saw Tuesday’s collision or the car’s movements in the time leading up to it to please contact them.

Witnesses are urged to contact the force online or by calling 101, quoting reference 13250591258.