THE widow of an RAF veteran killed in a motorbike crash has paid tribute to him as “a marvellous man who brought everything to life.”

David Frampton, 36, of North Street, Ramsbottom, was riding his silver Honda when it crashed into an Audi A3 in Egerton, Bolton.

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Family and friends were left stunned by David’s death.

His wife, Stella Smith, 36, said: “He was an amazing man to know and I feel exceptionally lucky to have known him.”

Mr Frampton was born in Ilford, near London, later moving to Deal in Kent and met Stella at sixth-form college.

He later studied biology and psychology at Southampton University. Following a spell working in a security, Mr Frampton joined the RAF.

Stella said: “He could have joined as an officer, but wanted to go into the lowest rank, so he could learn every bit of the role.

“He didn’t want to assume he knew things. He always wanted to learn from others.” During a successful nine-year career in the RAF Regiment, he served with 2, 27 and 58 squadrons abroad for almost 1,000 days, including tours of Iraq and Afghanistan, and rising to the rank of corporal.

Mr Frampton was given an intelligence-gathering role and received a certificate of commendation from the United States Marine Corps for assisting them with joint operations in Afghanistan over a six-month period in 2011.

In 2012, the couple, moved to Ramsbottom, and married in June last year. After struggling with back problems and other injuries, Mr Frampton left the RAF in July, 2013, and trained to become a teacher of troubled children.

Stella said: “David would talk to anyone and everyone. He was very knowledgeable and very well read. He could be proud and humble at the same time.” Mr Frampton also leaves parents, Alan and Carol Frampton, and sisters, Vicki Milton and Sarah Frampton.

Police are asking for any witnesses to the incident in Blackburn Road to call 101, quoting log number 0851 of August 20. The two occupants of the Audi suffered whiplash, shock and minor cuts.

 

East Lancs RAF war hero killed in motorbike smash