A MOTORCYCLIST who died after a road collision in County Durham yesterday morning has been described as a loving family man who had a lifelong passion for bikes.
Eric Winn, 72, died after his Suzuki GSF 1200 machine collided with a Mazda car on an unnamed road between Windy Bank Road and the B6282 near the village of Woodland, west of Bishop Auckland.
The accident happened at 10.40am, the female car driver was shaken but uninjured.
Mr Winn, from Holly Hill Gardens West, in Stanley, County Durham, suffered serious injuries.
He was airlifted to the James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough but died shortly after arrival.
Police want to hear from anyone in the area at the time of the crash
A great-grandfather, he retired 12 years ago from his last job, working at a factory on the Tanfield Lea Industrial Estate.
A statement released today by his family said: “Eric was a devoted motorcyclist for over 56 years.
"Bikes were his sporting interest and offered him the opportunity to explore our region, and beyond.
“He was a loving husband to Connie, who he had supported through her own medical issues over the last three years.
“As a family we are incredibly grateful to the emergency services for their assistance, including the air ambulance and the medical staff at James Cook Hospital.”
Police enquiries are continuing and anyone who was using the road yesterday morning and saw either vehicle is asked to contact the investigating officer, PC Andy Wells in the road policing unit on 101.
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