Victims in fatal light aircraft crash in North Yorkshire named
The investigation is ongoing
Last updated 29th Jul 2024
The two men who died in a light aircraft crash in North Yorkshire over the weekend have been named by police.
21-year-old Matthew Bird from Spofforth and 24-year-old Oliver Dawes from Burley in Wharfedale, died after the plane they were in crashed in a field in Thorganby near Selby, on Sunday (28 July) afternoon.
Police say Matthew was the pilot of the aircraft and Oliver was his passenger.
They are continuing to investigate what happened, alongside the Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB).
In a statement today, Matthew's family paid tribute to him, saying:
“Yesterday we lost our son, a brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend.
“Matthew meant so much to so many. We are utterly heartbroken but he will live on in our hearts as we cherish the incredibly special memories he’s left us with.”
Oliver's family also released a statement saying;
“Yesterday, we lost a dearly loved son, cousin, nephew and friend. Oliver will continue to live on in our hearts and memories as the kind, generous, hardworking and fun man he had become.
"We will miss him every day for the rest of our lives, we are heartbroken.”
The MP for Selby is amongst those paying tribute to the two men.
Keir Mather said;
"I am incredibly saddened by the news regarding the plane crash in Thorganby yesterday.
"My heart goes out to the two men who lost their lives, as well as their loved ones at this awful time.
"Thank you to the emergency services including the Yorkshire Ambulance Service, North Yorkshire Police and the Air Accident Investigation Branch who are working to establish the circumstances surrounding this devastating incident."