Inquests suspended for Ryanair pilots killed in M62 crash

Ryanair's Captain Matthew Greenhalgh and senior first officer, Jamie Fernandes, were killed in a crash while travelling by taxi along the M62 towards Liverpool John Lennon Airport at 5.31am on Thursday, July 11. Matthew, 28, and Jamie, 24, died at the scene after the taxi was struck to the rear by a heavy goods vehicle. The crash, which occurred between junction eight, Burtonwood, and seven, Rainhill Stoops, also left the driver of the taxi with serious injuries.

Inquests into the circumstances surround Matt and Jamie's deaths were opened at Cheshire Coroner's Court by area coroner, Victoria Davies, on Wednesday, July 31, last year. This was due to their deaths being unnatural, and Ms Davies set an inquest date for February 12. Following enquiries, a driver of one of the two lorries involved in the collision, a 61-year-old man, was arrested on suspicion of causing death and serious injury by dangerous driving.

He has since been released on conditional bail, which lasts until March 12. On Wednesday, January 29, in light of the ongoing criminal investigation, assistant coroner Elizabeth Wheeler ordered both inquests be suspended. Ms Wheeler set a new inquest date of March 18, though this is subject to change.

Following the fatal crash, the families of both pilots paid tribute. "Matt had a passion for life and seized every opportunity that came his way," said his family. "He had already achieved so much in such a short life, with so much more planned.

"He loved the skies and flying, never growing tired of the scenic views from the cockpit. "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 are lost without you. You are forever in our hearts." Jamie's family wrote: "Jamie was living his best life and had so many plans for the future.

"We are grateful that he had achieved the dream he had had from childhood of flying. "He looked forward to every day at work where it is obvious he was with a very special family of colleagues and friends, and as he said, 'The sun always shines above the clouds'. "We have been truly overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and affection to our family, which shows what a special young man Jamie was.

"Our darling boy was a loving son, grandson, nephew and cousin. He is the light of our lives and always will be." In memory of Matt and Jamie, a Go Fund Me page[1] has been set up to be used to create a scholarship trust and help people from all backgrounds in their journey to becoming a pilot.

In addition, in honour of Matt and Jamie's memory, Ryanair will be erecting a plaque with their names at East Midlands Training Centre and introducing the 'Matt Greenhalgh and Jamie Fernandes Memorial Award' which will be presented to the top performing cadet each year.

References

1. ^ Go Fund Me page (www.gofundme.com)