THE family of a man who tragically died following a collision near Wolsingham have released a photograph of him.

Michael Zissler lost his life in the collision on the A689 between Harperley Hall and Wolsingham on Monday at around 5.25pm.

The two vehicles – a Volkswagen Passat and a Peugeot Bipper van – were being driven in opposite directions when the collision happened.

Mr Zissler, who was driving the Peugeot, was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Passat, a man in his 40s, remains in Newcastle’s Freeman Hospital with life threatening injuries.

In a statement Michael’s wife said: “It is with deepest regret that I announce the death of my husband Michael Edwin Zissler 48 years, who was involved in a tragic road traffic collision on A689 between Harperley Hall and Wolsingham on Monday 15th July 2019.

“I thank family and friends for their continued support and ask for privacy at this difficult time.”

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has dash cam footage is asked to contact Durham Constabulary on 101, quoting incident reference 349 of July 15.