Ryanair pilot, 28, killed in M62 lorry crash pictured as rugby club pays tribute

A Ryanair[1] pilot killed in a crash on the M62[2] alongside his co-pilot has been pictured for the first time as tributes are paid. Captain Matt Greenhalgh, 28, and senior first officer Jamie Fernandes, 24, were travelling to Liverpool John Lennon Airport in a taxi when the crash happened at 5.30am on Thursday. It involved the taxi and two lorries on the westbound carriageway between junction 8 and junction 7.

The two pilots died at the scene. Their next of kin are being supported by specialist police officers, Cheshire Police said. Mr Greenhalgh, from Stockport[3], is understood to have been married and to have studied at Middlesex University.

Marple[5] Rugby Club, where he had played alongside his dad, posted a tribute to their former player. 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." A number of Ryanair colleagues including several based at Liverpool have shared tributes to the men, with some changing their social media profile pictures to a blacked-out Ryanair logo in commemoration.

Posting on Facebook, Ryanair cabin service supervisor Jayne Smith, from Liverpool, described the two men's deaths as "absolutely devastating."

According to Mr Fernandes's LinkedIn profile, he had been a first officer for the airline since May this year, having previously served as junior first officer and second officer. He studied at Buckinghamshire New University and the independent Bolton[6] School, before taking his pilot's licence at Quebec-based company CAE. Tributes to Mr Greenhalgh and Mr Fernandes were shared by readers on social media.

Barbara Almond said: "How awful, so young and to have achieved so much and yet their lives tragically cut short. So sad to hear this." Nigel Burrows said: "Such a terrible tragedy.

These two fine young men took people safely through the skies only to lose their young lives as a result of the dangers of the roads." Andrea Delea said: "Oh my word this is such sad news. They have both worked so hard in their careers and in such tragic circumstances both lost their lives.

So very sorry and sad and send condolences to their families, colleagues and all emergency crews involved."

The taxi driver suffered serious injuries and was taken to hospital, where he remained on the evening of July 12.

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

References

1. ^ Ryanair (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
2. ^ crash on the M62 (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
3. ^ Stockport (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
4. ^ Young Ryanair pilot who died in devastating M62 lorry collision pictured (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
5. ^ Marple (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
6. ^ Bolton (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)