THE two motorcyclists who died in a crash near Chop Gate at the weekend have been named as Paul Dee, aged 63, from Redcar and Graham Bowen, aged 56, from Stockton on Tees.
The pair were riding in opposite directions along the B1257 on Sunday, June 9 when they fatally collided.
Mr Dee was a retired Cleveland Police officer with 30-years of service and his family paid tribute to him, saying: “Our family are heartbroken at the tragic and untimely loss of a loving husband, father, stepfather, father-in-law, grandad and brother.
“Paul was a dedicated police officer for 30-years and an ambulance driver for four years after retiring from the police.
“He was even more dedicated to his family and large circle of friends.
“We all love and miss him every minute. Taken too soon and sadly missed.”
Paul Dee pictured during his time with Cleveland Police
Chief Constable of Cleveland Police, Richard Lewis, said: “Paul was a much respected and loved officer and was proud of being a police officer for three decades.
"He worked in a number of roles for Cleveland Police including firearms, traffic and was also the sergeant responsible for the motorbike section.
“Our thoughts and condolences remain with Paul’s family and I am visiting them to offer my condolences in person. We have also offered additional support to any of our colleagues that are impacted by the loss of Paul.”
To recap, the crash happened just south of Chop Gate at around 11.50am on Sunday morning.
A silver Aprilia motorcycle being ridden by Mr Bowen was travelling south towards Helmsley when it crashed with a silver and black, Norton Triton motorcycle, ridden by Mr Dee who was travelling in the opposite direction.
Police at the scene of the crash on Sunday
Sadly, both men died at the scene.
Police are appealing to anyone who was traveling along the B1257 between Helmsley and Stokesley on Sunday morning and saw either of the motorcycles prior to the incident, or witnessed the collision itself to come forward.
- Anyone with any information is asked to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2 and ask for the officer in case TC1415 Laura Cleary or the Lead Investigating Officer, Detective Sergeant 1658 Kirsten Aldridge from the Major Collision Investigation Team at Thirsk.
- Or email MCIT@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article