Police have named the man who died in the helicopter crash near Boroughbridge yesterday.
He is Barry Dodd, a businessman and the Lord Lieutenant of North Yorkshire.
Mr Dodd died when the helicopter he was piloting came down in a field in Aldborough.
He lived in Easingwold. His family have asked for their privacy to be respected at this time.
Investigations into what caused the crash, which happened at 1.23pm on Wednesday (May 30), are continuing. Officers remain at the scene, alongside the Air Accidents Investigation Branch.
A North Yorkshire Police spokeswoman said:
Sadly, the pilot of the private aircraft following the helicopter near Aldborough was pronounced dead at the scene.
Whilst we await formal identification, we believe he is Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant for North Yorkshire, Mr Barry Dodd CBE.
Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.
Distinguished career
Mr Dodd built his first company, GSM Graphic Arts, from a two-person start-up into the global GSM Group, based in Wetherby.
Mr Dodd also chaired the York, North Yorkshire and East Riding Local Enterprise Partnership which distributed millions of pounds to local businesses.
And he served as chairman and pro-chancellor at the University of Hull, and chairman of the joint Hull York Medical School.
He was awarded the OBE in 2006 and the CBE in 2014. And in September 2014 Mr Dodd was appointed Lord Lieutenant of North Yorkshire – the Queen’s representative in the county.
He was given a lifetime achievement award at the York Press business awards in 2015.
York tributes to Barry Dodd
Lord Mayor of York, Keith Orrell
“The Civic Party had the privilege of working alongside Barry, in his role as the Lord-Lieutenant of North Yorkshire, since 2014.
“On a personal note, Barry and I only recently worked together in my role as Lord Mayor.
“The Civic Party of York would like to pass their sincerest thoughts and prayers to Frances and their family.
“Our flags will be flying at half mast to honour Barry in his role as Lord-Lieutenant and also for the huge support he gave to our city over the many years.”
Cllr Ian Gillies, leader of City of York Council
“Barry will be sorely missed – not only was a close colleague over many years but I had the pleasure of calling him my friend too.
“Barry was well known across Yorkshire and had a great personality. He was a huge support to me during my time as Lord Mayor and he was always very supportive to me and the city.
“My thoughts are with his wife Frances and their family at this incredibly sad time.”
Cllr Andrew Waller, deputy leader of City of York Council
“It’s very sad news to hear about Barry Dodd. He cared so much about our local area; whether it was a small or large organisation he was always an advocate and a keen supporter.
“He was a significant figure, representing the region at a national level and he will be really missed. I met him many times over the years to support York’s communities and businesses. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this sad time.”
Mary Weastell, Chief Executive of City of York Council
“We’re all very shocked and saddened to hear about Barry Dodd and our thoughts are with Barry’s family at this difficult time. I’ve worked with Barry over a number of years in the region and he will be greatly missed.
“We will be flying our flags at half mast at City of York Council to honour Barry and his work for York.”
The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu
“I was shocked and saddened to hear of Barry’s death.
“He was greatly admired and valued across the county, working tirelessly with businesses and charities to encourage and inspire them in their enterprises. He will be sorely missed.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Barry’s family at this time and especially his widow, Frances.”
The Dean of York, the Very Reverend Dr Vivienne Faull
“This is a very sad day. Barry’s passing will of course be most acutely felt by his wife and family and friends.
“He was greatly admired and he will be missed by a much wider community of people across North Yorkshire and beyond.
“He was a dear colleague and adviser and a great friend and supporter of York Minster.
“His loss is profound and will be deeply felt by a great many people.”