TRIBUTES have been paid to a businessman found dead under a viaduct.

Gary Peel, 48, died of multiple injuries at Hewenden Viaduct, Cullingworth, the highest railway viaduct in Britain.

Engineer Mr Peel, who lived with his wife Ruth and young sons in Pasture Lane, Clayton, was a director at a spring making business off Ingleby Road, Girlington, founded by his grandfather in 1947.

Mr Peel and a group of others bought the business from his father Alan Peel in 2001.

His co-director Mick Thomas, who has worked with him at Leeming & Peel for 15 years, said news of his death had stunned everyone and he would be greatly missed.

He said: “Gary and I often spoke about the viaduct.

“He had walked and cycled across it many times and loved its architecture, it was one of his favourite places.

“We are all shocked by his death. He was a hardworking family man who would do anything for his wife and boys.

“He enjoyed their holidays and time they spent together. He was a jovial character, a happy guy.

“He took a full part in nights out with the girls and boys from work.

“We had propelled this business into the 21st century.

“We had invested heavily in machinery and people. It’s so sad he won’t be here to be a part of it anymore.

“Our love and thoughts are with his family.”

An inquest which was opened yesterday heard evidence that suggested Mr Peel, who was found dead on Monday, may have taken his own life.

Bradford Coroner Martin Fleming adjourned the hearing until September 24 for further inquiries.