The family of a man who has died in a collision in County Durham in the early hours of New Year's Eve have paid tribute to him.
Stephen Bonallie, 32, was travelling in a silver Audi A6 estate on the A167 between Whitesmocks and Sniperley, in County Durham, when the car left the road and collided with a tree just before 2.00am.
Despite the best efforts of the emergency services, he was sadly pronounced dead at hospital.
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In a statement, Mr Bonallie’s family said: “It is with deepest regret that we announce the death of our Stephen James Bonallie, 32 years, who was involved in a tragic road traffic collision on the A167, Durham, on the morning of Saturday, December 31, 2022.
“He was a much-loved son, brother, boyfriend, nephew, uncle, brother-in-law and cousin and will be sadly missed. We wish to thank everyone for their support and ask to be left so that we can grieve in peace."
Meanwhile, another man in his 30s, who was also travelling in the car, is in a critical condition in hospital.
An investigation into the collision by Durham Constabulary’s Collision Investigation Unit is under way but police would like to hear from anyone who might have witnessed the collision or saw the vehicle beforehand.
Anyone with information should call 101 quoting incident reference number 26 of December 31.
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