A HERO dad killed in a horrific blaze at a former RAF base died trying to help firefighters, his family have revealed.
stepped in to assist emergency services when the inferno broke out at the site in Bicester, Oxfordshire late on Thursday.
, who ran a construction business at Bicester Motion, perished alongside firefighters Jennie Logan, 30, and Martyn Sadler, 38.
His family paid tribute to the “hero”;; last night – saying “he died the way he lived – helping others and putting them ahead of himself”;;.
In a statement released via , they said: “Dave was the most amazing man we will ever know, we love and miss him so much.
“He was a loving and caring father, husband, son and brother. He was Bicester born and bred and known by almost everyone. Once you met Dave, you never forgot him or his quirky sense of humour.
“You won’t find anyone who worked harder than he did, he built an incredible business from the ground up alongside the help of his family and friends.
“Bicester Motion has been a huge part of our lives, with many amazing memories and friends made along the way.
“Dave was always known as the man you went to when you needed any sort of help.
“This is exactly what happened on Thursday evening, he saw firefighters needing assistance and helped without hesitation.
“He was not a victim but a hero, he died the way he lived – helping others and putting them ahead of himself.
“Although he is no longer with us he will always be in our hearts and his legacy will continue.”;;
Bicester Motion revealed on Friday that David ran construction firm Chester & Sons from the site, with his wife Sue and sons Jordan and Riley.
CEO Daniel Geoghegan described him as “part of the fabric of our estate”;;.
He said: “Our whole community used to say that ‘Dave always had our back’.
“Yesterday, he was doing just that – the epitome of his selfless spirit.”;;
Thames Valley Police said two firefighters who sustained serious injuries while tackling the flames are conscious and remain in a stable condition in hospital.
The force has launched an unexplained death investigation into the blaze.
Assistant Chief Constable Tim Metcalfe, said: “Our thoughts remain with all those involved following this tragic incident.
“Our enquiries are ongoing but this is a complex investigation which may take some time.”;;
