Family pays tribute to man killed in collision

William Campbell, known as Billy, was driving Southbound on the A1(M) last Friday, following a family trip in Scotland, when his Vauxhall Mokka was involved in a three-car collision.

 

Emergency services blue-lighted to the scene near Darlington but sadly, despite their best efforts, Mr Campbell was pronounced dead at the scene.

 

His family are being supported by specially trained officers and today have paid tribute to the 65-year-old.

 

In a tribute, his family said: “William (Billy) Campbell was a gentle, loving, kind-hearted man from Scotland who had lived in Yorkshire with his wife but always loved his beautiful homeland.

 

“He was a giant Scottish teddy bear who would give you his last pound if you needed it.

 

“His wife has received hundreds of messages in a giant wave of grief as big as his heart was.

 

“He loved life, his family, his friends and was a true gentleman. When he loved you, it was with such immense strength he wrapped you up in it.

 

“We’ll carry those memories of laughter love and kindness that he wrapped around me in his big Billy hugs in my heart forever.

 

“He has left a big hole in the lives of everyone who knew him.

 

“His final thought was that of the safety of his granddaughter and he will always be loved and missed by all that knew him.”

 

Mr Campbell’s wife and granddaughter who were travelling with him at the time of the collision, survived.

 

The A1(M) was closed for several hours whilst the forensic collision investigation unit worked at the scene.

 

Officers are keen to speak to anyone who witnessed the incident, or who may have dashcam footage of the vehicle prior to the collision.

 

Anyone who can help is asked to contact Durham Constabulary’s Serious Collisions Investigation Unit on 0191 375 2996 or by email at [email protected] quoting incident number 154 of September 4.