Hundreds of mourners are expected to attend the funeral of a teenage rugby player from Truro who died in a tragic motorcycle crash.

Family and friends have paid tribute to Dave Winkler, 18, who died on Wednesday (April 11) evening after being involved in a collision with two cars on a minor road between Perranarworthal and Ponsanooth close to Pellynwartha Farm.Dave, or Big Dave as he was often known, was riding his Suzuki motorcycle at the time of the crash and police have said that he was unseated from the vehicle on impact and killed instantly.The teenager, who lived in Truro, played rugby for Cornwall and was also captain of the Truro Colts team as well as being a keen swimmer.This week Dave's family released the following statement: "Dave was very outgoing, popular, loving and loyal - a true leader and greatly loved by his family. Dave was head boy at Penair School in 2005, as well as being the school's rugby captain - successfully leading an unbeaten tour of South Africa in 2004."More recently, he was captain of Truro Rugby Club Colts, representing Cornwall on several occasions. David was born in Zimbabwe and was a natural sportsman. He was Zimbabwe national swimming champion for breaststroke in 1999 and was also a Cornwall swimming and athletics finalist on many occasions when he made Cornwall his home in 1999."Dave had been studying for his A Levels at Truro College and, in addition, had just passed his National Door Supervisor Certificate as it was his intention to have his own security company after serving as an officer in the armed services."Big Dave will be greatly missed by Pete and Paula, his mum and dad, his sisters, Ellie, Claire and Laura, and his girlfriend Fay, all of his friends at the rugby club, school and college. He was the most special person and will be remembered forever."Dave's sister, Claire added: "Words can never express the loss we all feel. Dave was such a special person in so many peoples lives. He was the bravest young man I have ever known and he will be missed forever."Alan Milliner, Dave's coach at Truro Colts, also paid tribute to him and praised his skills on the pitch, he said: The players, coaches and supporters of Truro Colts wish to express their deepest sympathies to the family of the Colts captain David Winkler. "David was a strong, hard player but fair, who commanded respect from his peers and opposition. The game of rugby has lost a genuine leader and friend. "Out of respect to David and his family, the Colts have decided to cancel the two touring matches this weekend and focus on the Plate Final next Sunday April 22 at Hayle. "It is the hope the players will respond to this tragedy and play with all their might in the memory of David Winkler, Colts captain 2006/7."Justyn Irons, a friend of Dave's, said: "Dave was one of the biggest, strongest 18-year-olds I have ever met. A true gentleman to everyone he met and a loving, caring brother to his sisters. He was there for everyone that needed him."He stood up for what he believed in and others followed. His loss will not only effect his family but a whole community will feel empty without him in their lives."Barbara Vann, headteacher at Penair School, also paid tribute to her former pupil, she said: "He was a wonderful young man who exemplified all the qualities of youth. He was enthusiastic, energetic and highly motivated and caring."As head boy he fulfilled his position dutifully and thoughtfully and was truly the schools ambassador and representative. The whole school and wider community will feel this loss."The funeral will take place tomorrow and a thanks giving service will take place at Truro Cathedral at 11am on Monday and Dave's family have said that all are welcome to attend.Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact MPC Lord at Camborne Traffic Centre on 08452 777 444 quoting log number 907 11/04/07Tributes to Dave can be placed in the comment below.