FAMILY and friends have paid tribute to a Bude man who died as a result of a three-vehicle collision on the A386 near Okehampton.

Father-of-two Chris Daniel, 74, passed away at Derriford Hospital on May 21 after the Ford Transit van he was driving was involved in a collision along with a BMW estate and Citroen Relay Luton van on Tuesday, May 19.

Emergency services were called to the incident between Hatherleigh and Folly Gate at around 1.50pm.

The 33-year-old male driver of the BMW, from the Okehampton area, was pronounced deceased at the scene, while the driver of the Citroen van was uninjured.

Mr Daniel’s family said in a statement: “We are devastated by the loss of our dad, Chris Daniel. Our dad started his career as a postman for Royal Mail in Holsworthy in the 1970s. After becoming the delivery office manager for many years, he later retired from Royal Mail but continued to work for other delivery services, delivering parcels in the local community. Dad was working on the day of the collision.

“Over the years, he delivered along many routes within the local area. He was well-known by many and will be remembered for his kind and friendly nature and helpful character whilst carrying out his work.

“As a family we would like to thank everyone involved in trying to save him. Chris was tragically taken from us under the saddest of circumstances, leaving behind his daughter, Carla, his son Ricky and his four young grandsons. He was loved so dearly, he will be deeply missed and remembered so fondly by all who knew him.”

Police are continuing to investigate the incident. Anyone who witnessed the incident, or has any information or dash-cam footage, is asked to contact the police via their website or by calling 101 quoting log 397 of 19/5/26.