The business world has been left in shock after former Aviva executive David Barral tragically lost his life in a devastating car crash near Wetherby, West Yorkshire.
The 63-year-old businessman, well-known for his leadership across several major companies, died when his Aston Martin DBX SUV veered off the road and burst into flames after colliding with a tree.
Family Heartbroken by Sudden Loss
In a deeply emotional tribute, Barral’s family expressed their heartbreak, describing him as “the most wonderful man” whose presence will forever remain in their hearts.
“Rest in peace, David. We will all miss you so, so much and you will always fill our hearts.
We love you,” the family said in a statement shared on Wednesday.
The crash occurred shortly after 2 p.m. on Tuesday afternoon, along the A58 Leeds Road, between Bardsey and Collingham — a quiet stretch of countryside that turned into the scene of tragedy.
Police Appeal for Witnesses
Authorities have now launched an investigation into what caused the high-performance vehicle to lose control.
Officers from West Yorkshire Police’s Major Collision Enquiry Team are urging anyone who witnessed the incident or saw the Aston Martin in the moments leading up to the crash to come forward.
Those with information can contact police online or call 101, quoting reference number 13250591258.
A Distinguished Career in Business
David Barral’s passing marks the loss of a respected figure in British finance and business.
Between 1999 and 2015, he held several senior positions at Aviva, one of the UK’s largest insurance companies.
Beyond Aviva, Barral took on non-executive chairman roles at Virgin Wines and Embark Group, while also serving as senior independent director at LV= Insurance.
Most recently, he had been a strategic adviser at Harwood Capital, lending his expertise to the investment world.
From Humble Beginnings to Corporate Leadership
Barral’s journey to corporate success started far from the boardroom.
In earlier interviews, he reflected on his early days in the insurance trade — including his first job as a door-to-door salesman at Abbey Life.
“Abbey was a really tough job,” he once said. “I was only 18, probably too young to sustain it — but I did buy my wife’s engagement ring with my third month’s salary.”
He later became a claims negotiator with Guardian Royal Exchange before managing brokers Andrew Yule Insurance for three years, steadily working his way up through the industry with determination and charm.
Remembered as a Kind and Generous Man
Tributes have poured in from former colleagues and friends, many of whom took to social media to remember Barral’s kindness and professionalism.
One message on Facebook read: “Rest in peace, a lovely man.
Sending love to his family.” Another commenter added: “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 generous with his time.”
A Life Remembered
Born in East Kilbride, South Lanarkshire, Barral built both a thriving career and a loving home life.
A devoted father of three, he lived in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, with his family.
His passing has left a profound void among those who knew him both personally and professionally — a reminder of how fragile life can be, even for those who seemed unstoppable.
The business world has been left in shock after former Aviva executive David Barral tragically lost his life in a devastating car crash near Wetherby, West Yorkshire.
The 63-year-old businessman, well-known for his leadership across several major companies, died when his Aston Martin DBX SUV veered off the road and burst into flames after colliding with a tree.
Family Heartbroken by Sudden Loss
In a deeply emotional tribute, Barral’s family expressed their heartbreak, describing him as “the most wonderful man” whose presence will forever remain in their hearts.
“Rest in peace, David. We will all miss you so, so much and you will always fill our hearts.
We love you,” the family said in a statement shared on Wednesday.
The crash occurred shortly after 2 p.m. on Tuesday afternoon, along the A58 Leeds Road, between Bardsey and Collingham — a quiet stretch of countryside that turned into the scene of tragedy.
Police Appeal for Witnesses
Authorities have now launched an investigation into what caused the high-performance vehicle to lose control.
Officers from West Yorkshire Police’s Major Collision Enquiry Team are urging anyone who witnessed the incident or saw the Aston Martin in the moments leading up to the crash to come forward.
Those with information can contact police online or call 101, quoting reference number 13250591258.
A Distinguished Career in Business
David Barral’s passing marks the loss of a respected figure in British finance and business.
Between 1999 and 2015, he held several senior positions at Aviva, one of the UK’s largest insurance companies.
Beyond Aviva, Barral took on non-executive chairman roles at Virgin Wines and Embark Group, while also serving as senior independent director at LV= Insurance.
Most recently, he had been a strategic adviser at Harwood Capital, lending his expertise to the investment world.
From Humble Beginnings to Corporate Leadership
Barral’s journey to corporate success started far from the boardroom.
In earlier interviews, he reflected on his early days in the insurance trade — including his first job as a door-to-door salesman at Abbey Life.
“Abbey was a really tough job,” he once said. “I was only 18, probably too young to sustain it — but I did buy my wife’s engagement ring with my third month’s salary.”
He later became a claims negotiator with Guardian Royal Exchange before managing brokers Andrew Yule Insurance for three years, steadily working his way up through the industry with determination and charm.
Remembered as a Kind and Generous Man
Tributes have poured in from former colleagues and friends, many of whom took to social media to remember Barral’s kindness and professionalism.
One message on Facebook read: “Rest in peace, a lovely man. Sending love to his family.”
Another commenter added: “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 generous with his time.”
A Life Remembered
Born in East Kilbride, South Lanarkshire, Barral built both a thriving career and a loving home life.
A devoted father of three, he lived in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, with his family.
His passing has left a profound void among those who knew him both personally and professionally — a reminder of how fragile life can be, even for those who seemed unstoppable.