Well-known delivery driver remembered after fatal A386 collision near Okehampton

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Tributes have been paid to 74-year-old Chris Daniel, a familiar face to many communities across Devon and Cornwall, after he died from injuries sustained in a three-vehicle collision near Okehampton
Tributes have been paid to a well-known delivery driver who died following a three-vehicle collision on the A386 near Okehampton.

Chris Daniel, 74, from Bude, died at Derriford Hospital on 21 May after suffering serious injuries in the collision.

Emergency services were called to the collision between Hatherleigh and Folly Gate at around 1.50pm on Tuesday, 19 May.

The incident involved a Ford Transit van driven by Mr Daniel, a BMW estate and a Citroen Relay Luton van.

A 33-year-old man from the Okehampton area, who was driving the BMW, was pronounced dead at the scene, while the driver of the Citroen van was uninjured.

In a statement released by Devon and Cornwall Police, Mr Daniel's family described him as a dedicated worker who was well known across Devon and Cornwall through his delivery work.

They said: "We are devastated by the loss of our Dad, Chris Daniel, who has died as the result of a traffic collision.

"Dad passed away on Thursday 21 May after fighting for his life at Derriford ICU, Plymouth."

Mr Daniel began his career with Royal Mail in Holsworthy during the 1970s and later became a delivery office manager.

“Although he retired from Royal Mail, he continued working in the delivery industry and was carrying out deliveries on the day of the collision.

His family said: "Over the years, he delivered along many routes within the local area of Holsworthy, Bude, Bideford, Torrington and many other areas in Cornwall and Devon.

"He was well-known by many and will be remembered for his kind and friendly nature and helpful character whilst carrying out his work."

The family also paid tribute to the emergency services and members of the public who assisted at the scene and during Mr Daniel's treatment.

They said: "As a family we would like to thank everyone involved in trying to save him.

"Hatherleigh Fire Service, Devon and Cornwall Police, the paramedic team and Devon Air Ambulance. We have also been told that members of the public stopped to help. We are deeply grateful to all of you."

They also thanked staff at Derriford Hospital's intensive care unit for their care and support.

"We would especially like to thank the staff at Derriford ICU for the outstanding kindness, care and compassion they gave to both Dad and our family, and for helping us to say goodbye to him with love and dignity."

Mr Daniel leaves behind his daughter Carla, son Ricky and four grandsons.

His family added: "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."

Devon and Cornwall Police are continuing to appeal for witnesses and dashcam footage relating to the collision.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has relevant information is asked to contact police quoting log 397 of 19 May 2026.