Tributes to father killed in river crash tragedy

TRIBUTES have been paid to a man who died when two cars containing members of the same family crashed into the River Wye near Buxton yesterday.

David Cox, 42, was taking his 11-year-old daughter to school just after 8.30am when his Toyota Aygo left a bridle path running near to the Monsal Trail and entered the river.

Five minutes later, his wife was taking her nine-year-old son to school when her Toyota Rav4 also left the path and crashed into the river.

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Both vehicles overturned and Mrs Cox and the children managed to escape to safety. Local residents and a police officer entered the water to rescue Mr Cox and he was taken to Stepping Hill Hospital, Stockport, but later sadly died.

His wife and two children were also taken to hospital.

Mr Cox worked for the BBC in Salford.

The BBC’s Acting Director General, Tim Davie said: “We are very sad to learn of David’s tragic death. He was a popular member of the Future Media team in Salford and had been key to the success of the red button service during the Olympics in the summer.

“Our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues here at the BBC at this difficult time.”

Roux Joubert, Head of TV and Mobile Platforms said: “David was an important member of the team and played a central role in the department. He will be sorely missed by everyone here and our thoughts are with his family at this time.”

Police, fire, ambulance and mountain rescue teams all attended the scene and an investigation into the accident is now underway.

The road condition at the time of the accident was described as “poor”.