Toddler was already dead when dad crashed car into lorry inquest hears
A Leicester father who was found dead in his car left a note on his computer explaining his intentions to end both his and his daughter’s lives on Father’s Day last year, an inquest heard. Ashley Henry, 35, had spent the weekend in Skegness[1] with his daughter, Oria, two, and was driving them home to Leicestershire when the vehicle crashed.
An inquest, held at Grimsby Town Hall yesterday (Wednesday, April 10), heard that Mr Henry had pulled out of his lane and driven directly into the path of an oncoming HGV. A pathologist found several indications suggesting it was likely Oria was not alive at the time of the collision, but it has not been possible to determine exactly how she died.
However, the coroner’s report states that Oria’s death was likely the result of an unlawful act which was carried out at some point before the crash. She was last seen alive at 10.48am the same day, Sunday, June 18, 2023. The crash took place on the A153 between Ruskington and Anwick. A murder investigation was launched shortly afterwards, but police said they were not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident, reports Lincolnshire Live[2].
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The inquest heard that Oria’s father was no longer with the child’s mother, and he had access to his daughter at weekends. He had a limited medical history, but it included periods of anxiety and depression, the report stated.
There was no evidence of any braking of the car prior to the collision, and a note recovered from Mr Henry’s computer, which was located at his home address, set out his intention to end both his own life and that of his daughter on Father’s Day last June, it added.
Oria’s mum, Rachael Leader, released a heartbreaking tribute to her daughter after the 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.”
References
- ^ weekend in Skegness (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)
- ^ Lincolnshire Live (www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk)
- ^ Get the latest Lincolnshire Live news with our email newsletters (www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk)