Pictured: Second Ryanair pilot, 28, killed along with colleague, 24, in horror crash when their taxi collided with two lorries on the M62 while en route to the airport

By Katherine Lawton[1]

Published: 12:09, 14 July 2024 | Updated: 12:12, 14 July 2024

The second Ryanair pilot who was killed along with his colleague on the way to the airport in a collision on the M62 has been pictured.

Captain Matt Greenhalgh, 28, and his colleague, Senior First Officer Jamie Fernandes, 24, were travelling to Liverpool airport[2] by taxi when a crash involving two lorries occurred at around 5.30am on Thursday morning.

Both men died at the scene of the incident between Junctions 7 and 8 on the westbound carriage of the motorway.

Mr Greenhalgh, of Stockport, is understood to have been married and studied at Middlesex University.

He played alongside his father at Marple Rugby Club, which paid a touching tribute to the former player.

Captain Matt Greenhalgh, 28, (pictured) died in a crash involving two lorries on Thursday

Senior First Officer Jamie Fernandes, 24, (pictured) also died in the tragic crash

It said: ‘All at Marple are saddened to hear of the untimely passing of former player Matt Greenhalgh. Matt played for us as a mini and junior, as part of a successful colts team and as a senior player, often alongside his very proud dad John.

‘Despite not playing regularly for a few years, Matt’s team mates from his colt days always talked fondly of him and a player and as a bloke. Our thoughts and condolences go to John, the rest of Matt’s family, friends and all who knew him.’

Mr Greenhalgh’s colleague Mr Fernandes joined the airline in June 2022 and had served as first officer since May, having previously been a junior first and second officer, according to his Linkedin profile.

He graduated with a BSC in air transport management from Buckinghamshire New University before obtaining his pilot’s licence at Canadian firm CAE, based in Quebec.

He attended Bolton School, where he did A-Levels in Maths, English Language and Geography.

A picture of Mr Fernandes in his first officer’s uniform and wearing a headset in the cockpit of an aircraft.

Thousands of pounds have already been raised for the families of the two Ryanair pilots killed in the crash earlier this week.

The GoFundMe[3] page, organised by Ryanair staff member Daniel Hayton, has so far gathered more than GBP27,000 to help mourning family members.

Queuing traffic on the M62 after the double fatal accident on Thursday which killed two Ryanair crew

The Ryanair captain and first officer were travelling in a taxi to Liverpool Airport when the collision occurred (File photo)

Eli White, a cabin crew member who had flown with the pair, paid tribute to her colleagues, writing: ‘Absolutely heartbreaking.

Had the pleasure to fly with such nice, lovely people.’

Another colleague, Kara Edwards, said: ‘Life is truly unfair.

R.I.P to the most loveliest people on this earth.’

Marty Chiara Iannone, who also flew with the two pilots, wrote: ‘I am in shock.

Flying with you has been a privilege.’

The driver of the car was rushed to hospital where has been treated for serious injuries.

A driver of one of the two lorries, a 61-year-man, was arrested on suspicion of causing death and serious injury by dangerous driving.

The victims’ next of kin are receiving support from specialist officers.

References

1. ^ Katherine Lawton (www.dailymail.co.uk)
2. ^ Liverpool airport (www.dailymail.co.uk)
3. ^ GoFundMe (www.gofundme.com)