THE family of a cyclist killed instantly in a collision in Darlington have described him as a “quiet lad with a big heart”.

Darlington FC fan Ryan Wilson, who is understood to have worked at Argos in Faverdale, was killed instantly in the crash in Faverdale on Wednesday afternoon.

A minute’s silence has been planned in tribute to him ahead of Saturday’s games against Gloucester City at Blackwell Meadows.

The 26-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene after his bicycle collided with a Honda Accord on Rotary Way, Faverdale.

The driver of the car, a 53 year-old man from Shildon, was taken to Darlington Memorial Hospital and treated for shock.

In a statement issued through Durham Police, Mr Wilson’s family said:

“Ryan was a hardworking, quiet lad with a big heart.

“He loved Darlington FC and went to nearly all the matches both home and away and kept all the match programmes and tickets.

“He always wore his Darlington shirt with pride.

“He will be greatly missed by all his family and friends.”

The Northern Echo:

His beloved Darlington FC also paid tribute to him, as did Geordie Shore star Nath Henry, who knew him.

Mr Henry said: “R.I.P Ryan mate, I know it had been ages since we seen each other, but I will never forget coming over yours and playing like divvys in the streets with the other kids, we had a right laugh at kids club and you were always so happy and laughing at silly or anything remotely funny, my thoughts and prayers are with your family right now.”

A statement posted on the Darlington FC website said: “The club is very sad to learn about the sudden death of Ryan Wilson, at the age of 26.

“Ryan was a very keen Darlo fan, and only last weekend attended the Nuneaton game with his stepson.

“In Ryan’s memory, the club will hold a minute’s silence before Saturday’s home game against Gloucester City.

“The club, and all its fans, would like to pass on our condolences to Ryan’s family.”

Tributes poured in on social media, with some describing him as a “genuinely nice guy with a heart of gold”.

Floral tributes have been left at the scene of the accident, which happened at about 2.20pm on Wednesday.

  • Any witnesses to the collision are asked to call Durham Constabulary's Collision Investigation Unit on 0191-375-2159.