Dad and daughter, 2, both die in Father’s Day crash – but chilling note on computer reveals the truth

A horror car crash involving a dad and his toddler on Father's Day last year has been revealed as a probable murder-suicide, an inquest^[1] heard.

Ashley Henry, 35, ploughed his Blue Nissan Qashqai^[2] into the path of an oncoming HGV on the A153 between Ruskington and Anwick, Lincolnshire, and, after both he and two-year-old daughter Oria were found dead at the scene^[3], a murder probe was launched.

An inquest at Grimsby Town Hall on Wednesday heard it was probable Oria was not alive at the time of the collision. A pathologist identified a number of features to evidence this was the case but said it has not been possible to determine exactly how the toddler died. The coroner's report says that her death was likely the result of an unlawful act which was carried out at some point before the road traffic collision.

The inquest heard how Oria's father Ashley was estranged from his partner and had access to her at weekends. Ashley had spent the weekend with his daughter in Skegness, Lincolnshire, and was driving them back to Leicestershire when the accident happened on June 18, 2023.

The father had a limited medical history but this did include periods of anxiety and depression and he was not taking the break-up of their relationship well. There was no evidence of any braking of the car prior to the collision and a note recovered from Ashley's computer, which was located at his home address, set out clearly his purpose and intention to end both his own life, and that of his daughter, on Father's Day last June.

Oria's mum, Rachael Leader, released a touching tribute to her two-year-old daughter after the tragic incident^[5], reports Lincolnshire Live^[6]. She said: "To my darling daughter, Oria. I love you so much. I’m so sorry your precious life was taken from you. You gave me so much light sweetheart, so much love and so much happiness.

"I will cherish each and every moment we had together. You had the most beautiful smile and gorgeous curly hair. You touched the hearts of many, Oria, and I’m so incredibly proud to be your mummy. I miss you so much.

"Whilst the pain of losing you is indescribable, I will turn it into purpose, for you and for us. You chose me for a reason and will continue to shine your light through me. We will shine together. My darling girl, my baby, God will keep you safe until we meet again in heaven. I love you, Oria."

References

1. ^{^} inquest (www.mirror.co.uk)
2. ^{^} ploughed his Blue Nissan Qashqai (www.mirror.co.uk)
3. ^{^} he and two-year-old daughter Oria were found dead at the scene (www.mirror.co.uk)
4. ^{^} 'Loving' grandma-to-be killed on M6 motorway slip-road after horror crash with white van (www.mirror.co.uk)
5. ^{^} a touching tribute to her two-year-old daughter after the tragic incident (www.mirror.co.uk)
6. ^{^} Lincolnshire Live (www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk)