Ryanair pilot tragically killed in M62 crash had married wife just weeks before
A newlywed Ryanair pilot had a “passion for life” and “already achieved so much”, his family have said following his death in a crash on the M62. Matt Greenhalgh, 28, a Ryanair[1] captain, was travelling to Liverpool John Lennon Airport with Senior First Officer Jamie Fernandes, 24, when the taxi they were in was involved in a crash with two lorries at 5.31am on July 11.
Both died at the scene and the taxi driver was taken to hospital with serious injuries. Following enquiries, a 61 year old lorry driver was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving. He has since been released on conditional bail.
Paying tribute to Matt, his family said: “Matt had a passion for life and seized every opportunity that came his way. He had already achieved so much in such a short life, with so much more planned,”, reports the Mirror[2].
The family added: “Matt discovered his ambition for becoming a pilot in his teenage years, following a flying lesson that was gifted by his aunt. His hard work and determination led to a successful career with Ryanair, recently being promoted to Captain. He loved the skies and flying, never growing tired of the scenic views from the cockpit.”
The Liverpool Echo paid tribute, saying: “Matt was a keen sportsman; in his younger years enjoying rugby and cricket, and more recently golf and cycling. He wanted to try anything and everything, constantly seeking new adventures. Matt and his wife, Hannah, also enjoyed travelling. Their last trip being Las Vegas, where they were married just three months before his tragic death.”
“We take comfort that we will hold so many fantastic memories of our time with him. He was a loving husband, thoughtful son, loyal brother, caring grandson, respected colleague and valued friend. We have been overwhelmed with love and affection to our family, from so many areas of Matt’s life, as he clearly touched the lives of so many. We are lost without you. You are forever in our hearts.”
A GoFundMe page[4] has been established, with donations set to fund a scholarship aimed at assisting individuals from diverse backgrounds on their path to becoming pilots.
References
- ^ Ryanair (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
- ^ the Mirror (www.mirror.co.uk)
- ^ BBC star John Hunt’s message after crossbow deaths as suspect ‘paralysed’ (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
- ^ GoFundMe page (www.gofundme.com)