First Dates Hotel star’s two-year-old daughter was probably already dead when girl’s father drove into oncoming HGV in Father’s Day ‘murder-suicide’, inquest hears
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The daughter of a woman who appeared on Channel 4[2]'s First Dates Hotel was already dead when her father drove into a lorry in a suspected murder-suicide, an inquest has heard.
Two-year-old Oria Henry had spent the weekend in Skegness with her father Ashley Henry, 35, and were driving back to Leicestershire when he pulled out of a carriageway and drove directly into the path of an oncoming HGV.
Police initially treated the tragedy, which took place on Father's Day last year, as a straightforward collision but later launched a murder investigation after 'careful consideration'.
Oria's mother Rachael Leader, who works in global procurement for soft drinks goliath PepsiCo and appeared on Channel 4's dating show spin-off First Dates Hotel in 2020, was estranged from her ex-partner.
An inquest, held at Grimsby Town Hall on Wednesday, heard it was probable Oria, who only saw her father on weekends, was not alive at the time of the collision although it has not been determined exactly how she died.
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.
Oria Henry who was allegedly murdered by her father Ashley Henry, 35, in a horror crash on their way home from a weekend at the seaside on Father's Day last year
Oria's mother Rachael pictured with Ashley and Oria before the tragedy unfolded last year
Oria's mother Rachael Leader appeared on Channel 4's dating show spin-off First Dates Hotel in 2020
Oria was last seen alive at 10.48am on June 18, 2023, just hours before her and her father were pronounced dead at the scene on the A153 between Ruskington and Anwick at around 2.45pm.
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.
Ashley 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, the inquest heard.
Mother-of-one Rachael released a touching tribute to her two-year-old daughter after the tragic incident.
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.'
Little Oria was last seen alive at 10.48am on June 18, 2023, just hours before her and her father were pronounced dead
Mother Rachael and Oria Henry pictured together before the young girl's death
Miss Leader later shared her heartache on social media after police revealed they were investigating the double deaths as a murder-suicide.
The devastated mother from Broughton Astley, Leicestershire, reposted a police update confirming the investigation was now a murder inquiry, alongside the comment 'my baby' and crying and broken heart emojis.
On Instagram she wrote alongside a picture of her smiling daughter: '(The) circumstances are being treated as Murder/Suicide.
'My poor baby. You were taken from me by an evil force. A sick man, a man that I trusted with your life only for it be taken away by him in such a horrific way.
'Oria, I am so sorry. I'm sorry I couldn't protect you.
'My pain will be turned into purpose, I promise you that. I love you sweetheart. See you in heaven, baby girl.'
In another post the desperate mum, who said she had been 'overwhelmed' by supportive and loving messages from friends and family, revealed: 'I feel like I'm living in a dream and a nightmare all at once.
'I feel like Oria has gone away for a while, even though I know she hasn't. I feel shock and disbelief at what's happened. I feel immense sadness sometimes.
'I feel really numb and very introverted. I feel like going into a 'cave' and not interacting with a single soul.
'I feel everything and nothing at the same time. It's weird because I also feel other peoples' sorrow, for me. '
The brave mother, who said she has 'big plans' which she needs to 'fulfil' for herself and her departed daughter, added : 'My soul has been fractured and I feel fragile.'
Miss Leader bid beloved Oria a final farewell at her funeral on July 20 at Countesthorpe Crematorium, Leicestershire, where she requested mourners wear 'white, light clothes' and 'strictly no black clothes.'
For confidential support, call Samaritans on 116 123, visit samaritans.org or visit https://www.thecalmzone.net/get-support
References
- ^ Dan Woodland (www.dailymail.co.uk)
- ^ Channel 4 (www.dailymail.co.uk)