[T]RIBUTES have been paid to a ‘gentle giant’ who died after his motorbike was involved in a collision with a car.
Shaun (Dave) Neal, 46, from Jarrow was tragically killed in a collision on the A68 between Consett and Tow Law on Saturday, September 2.
His widow described him as a gentle giant who always had time for his friends.
“He loved being at home and took great pleasure walking his dog,” she said.
“His motorcycle was his pride and joy. He realised his dream by attending the classic TT meeting on the Isle of Man just a few weeks before he was taken from us.
“He spent over 24 years in the Army in the First Battalion Yorkshire Regiment.
“He was a big guy who has left a massive void in our lives.”
Dave was riding his Honda CBR motorcycle on the northbound side of the A68 when he was involved in a collision with a BMW 330 travelling in the opposite direction.
The driver of the BMW – a 23-year-old man – was arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and has been released under investigation.
Any witnesses are being urged to call Durham Police on 101 and ask for the Collision Investigation Unit.
