Past Connect Yorkshire chairman named as man killed in yesterday’s helicopter crash
Barry had previously been chairman of Connect Yorkshire. Nick Butler CEO has said,
“What a terrible accident. Barry has been the Chairman of Connect Yorkshire and a huge supporter of what we are trying to achieve. I feel very sad.”
A statement published on the North Yorkshire Lieutenancy office website this morning states: “The Lieutenancy office has been advised of a helicopter accident yesterday afternoon. Although formal identification is yet to be confirmed it is understood that the single casualty of this accident is Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant for North Yorkshire, Mr Barry Dodd CBE. Clearly this is a tragic event and thoughts are very much with his family and friends. No further information is available at the present time.”
Mr Dodd was the pilot in the helicopter which crashed in a field at Aldborough near Boroughbridge at around 1.30pm yesterday. He was the founder of the GSM Group and held the position of chair of York, North Yorkshire and East Riding Enterprise Partnership until January and was involved in its creation in 2011, also holding the position of CEO.
A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Police said: “Sadly, the pilot of the private aircraft was pronounced dead at the scene following the helicopter crash near Aldborough yesterday. 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. Mr Dodd’s family have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers. The force request the family’s privacy at this very sad time.
“Officers remain at the scene, alongside the Air Accidents Investigation Branch, whilst investigations continue.”
Mr Dodd took up the role of Lord-Lieutenant for North Yorkshire in 2014. At the time, the prestigious role came in addition to his then responsibilities as the LEP chairman, pro chancellor and chairman of council at the University of Hull, and his chairmanship of the Global Service and Manufacturing Group (GSM Group) and its subsidiary companies.
As Lord Lieutenant, Mr Dodd was the Queen’s representative in North Yorkshire with responsibilities that included the presentation of decorations, and the organisation of official royal visits.
The honour followed on from the OBE he was awarded in 2006 for services to business and the economy, and the CBE in 2014 for services to the UK economy.
Article via thebusinessdesk.com
