Tributes paid to two men who died in air crash near Selby

Update - 5.45pm 30.07.2024

The scene of the aeroplane collision in Thorganby was released by the police at 5.25pm today.  

 

Updated statement - 11.05am 29.07.2024

The second man who died in yesterday’s aeroplane crash near Selby has now been named as Matthew Bird.

Matthew, who was the pilot of the light aircraft, was 21 and from Spofforth.

In a statement today, his family paid tribute to him, saying: “Yesterday we lost our son, a brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend. 

“Matthew meant so much to so many. We are utterly heartbroken but he will live on in our hearts as we cherish the incredibly special memories he’s left us with.”

The circumstances surrounding the incident continue to be investigated today.

Important guidance to the media: The families of the deceased men have requested that the media do not attempt to contact them in any way at this very difficult time. Thank you in advance for respecting their privacy.

 

 

Updated statement - 10.50am 29.07.2024

The family of one of the men who died in an aeroplane crash near Selby yesterday has paid tribute to him.

Oliver Dawes, 24, of Burley in Wharfedale, was the passenger in the two-seater light aircraft.

Today, his family said in a statement: “Yesterday, we lost a dearly loved son, cousin, nephew and friend. Oliver will continue to live on in our hearts and memories as the kind, generous, hardworking and fun man he had become. We will miss him every day for the rest of our lives, we are heartbroken.”

Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident continue today.

Important guidance to the media: The families of the deceased men have requested that the media do not attempt to contact them in any way at this very difficult time. Thank you in advance for respecting their privacy.

 

 

Updated statement - 2.47pm 28.07.2024

We were called to an incident involving a light aircraft at a rural location in Thorganby, Selby at around 9.50am today.

A two-seater light aeroplane with two occupants had crashed in a field.

Sadly, two men in their 20s believed to be the pilot and passenger have been pronounced dead.

Their next of kin have been told and formal identification processes are currently under way. No further injuries have been reported.

We are currently working with the Air Accident Investigation Branch to launch a full investigation into the circumstances.

Some road closures remain in place while emergency services continue to deal with the incident.

Ref: NYP29072024-0128

 

Original statement - 11am 28.07.2024

We are currently dealing with an incident involving a light aircraft at a rural location near Selby, which was reported at around 9.50am today.

We remain on the scene along with other emergency services, and further updates will follow.