Community in shock over death of Ripponden headteacher

Apr 1 2009 by Sam Casey, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

THE friend of a popular headteacher who died at the wheel of his car has paid tribute to “a top bloke.”

Dennis Midwood was with Ripponden Junior and Infant School head David Brier when he suffered a suspected heart attack as they drove home from a football match on Saturday.

Mr Midwood, 58, managed to bring the car to a stop before attempting to save his friend’s life.

But, despite his best efforts and those of two passers by, 57-year-old Mr Brier, of Rochdale Road, Greetland, was declared dead on arrival at hospital.

Mr Midwood said: “He was a really top bloke, the sort that would do anything for anybody.

“He’d been at the school for 25 years and had taught virtually everyone in the district.

“He was relatively fit and healthy and played sport all his life. There was no sign anything was wrong.

“His family are obviously absolutely distraught and lot of people are devastated.”

Mr Brier was also a scout for Charlton Athletic Football Club. He and Mr Midwood were travelling back from the game between Rochdale and Exeter when the tragedy happened.