TRIBUTES have been paid to a super-fit crime scene investigator, who died suddenly last week.

Father-of-two David Johnson, from Darlington, was planning to take a walk with his wife, Sue, on Sunday (April 21), when he collapsed.

Mr Johnson, a passionate mountain biker, who had served Durham Police for almost 25 years, had celebrated his 56th birthday just days before he died.

He had been undergoing treatment for recent health problems, but his prognosis was good and Mrs Johnson said his death came as a terrible shock to family and friends.

She said: “We had our 34th wedding anniversary three weeks ago. We were at school and sixth form together and got married in 1979.

“He was a very modest, unassuming and quiet person, but was very enthusiastic about all that he did.”

Mr Johnson’s modesty was reflected in April last year, when he and a colleague received a commendation for braving cold weather to gather evidence that led to the arrest of suspects in a theft case.

“It is nice to get this recognition,” he said at the time, adding: “It is all part of the job.”

Mr Johnson, who lived in the west end of Darlington, leaves two daughters, 26-year-old Helen and Kathryn, 23.

He had begun his career working in retail, becoming a shop manager in the Borders, before moving into police work, first as a traffic warden, then in the property office and finally as a crime scene investigator.

Mrs Johnson added: “He always had all sorts of interests, throughout our married life, he has been involved in different things, such as windsurfing and model car racing.

Members of the mountain biking community, to whom Mr Johnson was known as Deejay, have also paid tribute.

More than 80 comments had been left by friends keen to pay their respects.

One post read: “Dave was an immensely talented rider, but more than that, a thoroughly decent man and a true gent.”

Mr Johnson’s funeral will take place on Monday (April 29) morning, at All Saints Church, Blackwell.

It has been designed to reflect his police service and passion for cycling.

The cortege will drive past Darlington police station, where the Union Flag has been flying at half-mast.

Following the service, a group of mountain bikers will follow the cortege to the crematorium.