Former CEO killed in horror Aston Martin crash fireball as tributes pour in

David Barral was killed when his car struck a tree (Image: Facebook)

David Barral, the former chief executive of Aviva's UK and Ireland operations, has been killed after his luxury SUV struck a tree in West Yorkshire and burst into flames. The crash occurred at just after 2pm on Tuesday, on the A58 Leeds Road between Bardsey and Collingham, near Wetherby in Yorkshire.

Mr Barral was the sole occupant of the grey Aston Martin DBX when it veered off the carriageway and collided with the tree, according to West Yorkshire Police. Emergency services pronounced him dead at the scene; no other vehicles were involved. West Yorkshire Police's Major Collision Enquiry Team is investigating the circumstances of the incident.  The force said in an official statement: "Officers want to speak with anyone who saw the collision or the car's movements that day, or anyone with relevant dashcam or CCTV footage.” 

Witnesses are asked to contact the force via its online portal or by calling 101, quoting reference number 13250591258.

The A58 stretch, a busy arterial route linking Leeds to Wetherby, was closed for several hours Tuesday for recovery and examination work, causing localised traffic disruptions.

No further details on the cause—such as speed, weather or mechanical failure—have been released pending the inquiry's progress.

A family tribute 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.” 

Colleagues and acquaintances swiftly paid respects online following news of his death. One Facebook user, who had worked with Mr Barral at Aviva, wrote: "Sincere condolences to all his family.

"I met David a number of times... He was always welcoming and giving of his time."

David Barral was 63 (Image: Police handout)

Another posted: "Rest in peace, a lovely man. Sending love to his family."

The 63-year-old Scottish-born father of three lived in Harrogate with his wife, Angie, and had built a distinguished 30-year career in the insurance sector.

Mr Barral joined Aviva in 1999, rising to lead its life and pensions division before becoming UK and Ireland CEO in 2011, a role he held until 2015. 

His professional path began humbly as an 18-year-old door-to-door salesman for Abbey Life, where he earned enough in his third month to buy his wife's engagement ring. 

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He later worked as a claims negotiator at Guardian Royal Exchange and managed brokers Andrew Yule Insurance.

Post-Aviva, Mr Barral served as non-executive chairman at Virgin Wines and the Embark Group investment platform, and as a senior independent director at LV= insurance. 

Until recently, he advised Harwood Capital as a strategic partner. In past interviews, he described his ambition "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”.

Mr Barral's death marks a tragic end for a figure revered in financial circles for his ascent from grassroots sales to executive suites. As investigations continue, his family has requested privacy amid their grief.