The devastated family of a man killed on the roads in the early hours of New Year’s Eve have paid tribute to the “much loved son”.
Stephen Bonallie, 32, was driving 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 at around 2.00am.
Despite the best efforts of the emergency services, he was sadly pronounced dead at hospital.
Another man, in his 30s, who was also in the car is currently in a critical condition.
His family have paid tribute to the son, brother and nephew.
They said in a statement: “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.
A spokesman for Durham Constabulary said: “An investigation by Durham Constabulary’s Collision Investigation Unit is underway to establish the circumstances but officers would like to hear from anyone who might have witnessed the collision or saw the vehicle beforehand.
“Stephen Bonallie was travelling in a silver Audi A6 estate on the A167 between Whitesmocks and Sniperley when the car left the road and collided with a tree just before 2am.
“Anyone with information should call 101 quoting incident reference number 26 of December 31.”
One person said of the tragedy: “RIP Stephen and condolences to all family and friends.”
Another added: “RIP, condolences to the family.”
