Heartbreaking ‘too young’ tributes after Ryanair pilots killed in taxi motorway crash

Tributes have been flooding in for a Ryanair pilot and co-pilot who tragically lost their lives in a crash involving two lorries on the M62, with thousands of pounds now raised in their memory. Matt Greenhalgh, 28, from Stockport, and Jamie Fernandes, 24, were pronounced dead at the scene of the major collision ^[1] as they travelled to Liverpool John Lennon Airport in a taxi in the early hours of last Thursday morning (July 11).

The taxi carrying the pair was involved in the crash with two lorries at 5.31am on the westbound carriageway between Junctions 8 and 7. Matt, a Ryanair ^[2] Captain, and Jamie, Senior First Officer, sadly passed away shortly after. A GoFundMe page was later set up by Ryanair staff member Daniel Hayton, with friends, former colleagues and members of the public quick to donate to help the grieving family members.

More than £30,000 has since been raised for the families of the two Ryanair pilots. The fundraising page stated: "Here at Ryanair we are sad to hear of the loss of two amazing colleagues I had the pleasure of working with in Manchester.

"So as a team we would like to raise some money to go and help Matt and Jamie's families with any costs for funeral arrangements etc and after in the long term. At the moment I'm aiming for £1,000 with half of any proceedings going towards Matt's family and the other half Jamie's family. Two amazing guys gone too soon."

Senior First Officer Jamie Fernandes, aged 24, was a former pupil at Bolton School. According to his LinkedIn page, he joined Ryanair as a first officer in May this year after previously holding positions as a junior first officer and second officer.

He attended Buckinghamshire New University and Bolton School, followed by pilot training at CAE in Quebec. Bolton School paid tribute, and said in a statement: "We were very sad to hear the news of the tragic death of our Old Boy Jamie Fernandes. A keen hockey player while at school, we were pleased to see him go on to realise his ambition to be a pilot. Our thoughts are with his family and all his friends."

Preston Hockey Club also shared a statement, and penned: "The club is devastated to hear of the tragic passing of Jamie Fernandes, one of our former young members. Many people within the club remember Jamie very fondly! Our thoughts are with his family at this very difficult time".

A friend also paid tribute on social media, writing: "You came into our lives for a short time with a good soul and a kind heart. Destroying to read the news, too young to leave us with such an exciting life ahead of you."

Captain Matt Greenhalgh, from Stockport, is understood to have been married and to have studied at Middlesex University. Romiley Cricket Club has expressed their profound sorrow at the loss, describing Matt as an "athletic all-rounder" who was "hugely liked by all."

They shared on social media: "The Club are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Matt Greenhalgh. Matt was an athletic all-rounder, who always played with enthusiasm and commitment, and was hugely liked by all. A keen sportsman, Matt was a genuinely lovely bloke and all those at the Club who knew him will have fond memories of him. Our thoughts are with all of his family and friends at this incredibly sad and difficult time."

Mohcine Marzzak, a Ryanair pilot and first officer, took to social media to bid farewell to his dear friend: "Today we say goodbye to my dear friend Matt Greenhalgh. They were an extraordinary person full of joy and generosity the memories we shared will forever remain in our hearts you will be greatly missed. Rest in peace."

In the aftermath of the tragic collision, the taxi driver sustained serious injuries and received hospital treatment. Meanwhile, a 61 year old lorry driver was taken into custody on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

Cheshire Police have since released him on bail as further investigations continue.

References

^{^} pronounced dead at the scene of the major collision (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
^{^} Ryanair (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
^{^} Ben Ross' mum shares worrying last phone call and 'odd email' after he goes missing in Majorca (www.birminghammail.co.uk)