'Caring and gentle' ex-Navy mechanic dies in crash

A family has paid tribute to a "caring, gentle, unwittingly funny" man who has died in a crash in the Yorkshire Dales.

Graham Nash, 54, of Giggleswick, was cycling on the A65 Settle Bypass when he was struck by a white van at about 05:00 BST on Tuesday, North Yorkshire Police said.

The 25-year-old van driver was interviewed by police and has been released under investigation.

Mr Nash's family said he was "one of life’s good guys" and would be "dearly missed".

In a statement, they described him as being "at the centre of a large and close-knit family".

"He had a wonderful, kind and selfless nature, loyal to all around him, and showed unconditional love for his wife Linda and his family," the tribute said.

"The time and energy he gave to his children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews was unmatched, and was always delivered with a cheeky smile."

Mr Nash was raised in Hyde Heath in Buckinghamshire and joined the Royal Navy as a marine engineering mechanic on the submarine HMS Trafalgar.

During his service, which saw him tour the world, he met his wife Linda.

"They spent 31 wonderful, loving years raising Leanne, Nathan and Oliver," the tribute continued.

"He was a devoted family man, who held his children and grandchildren in such high regard. He loved to spend time with them, playing and making them laugh."

Mr Nash was also described as an "enthusiastic sportsman" and was part of the Settle Dragons Taekwondo club, where he achieved a first-degree black belt, the first in the club.

His family said that during the summer months he was a "keen cyclist" and often cycled to work.

For the past 26 years, he worked at Angus Fire in Bentham as a supervisor in the maintenance department.

North Yorkshire Police has appealed for witnesses to the crash to come forward with any relevant dashcam footage.

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