Ryanair pilots killed in horror M62 crash as taxi en route to airport collided with lorry

A young pilot working for Ryanair[1] who died along with his colleague in a crash on the way to the airport has been pictured. Jamie Fernandes and Matt Greenhalgh were making the journey to Liverpool Airport by taxi when they were involved in a collision with two lorries at about 5.30am on Thursday. The two men were pronounced dead at the scene of the crash between Junction 7 and 8 on the motorway’s westbound carriageway.

Mr Fernandes, 24, joined Ryanair in June 2022 after becoming first officer in May, having previously been a junior first and second officer, states his Linkedin profile. The Senior First Officer studied a degree in air transport management from Buckinghamshire New University before getting his pilot licence from CAE, a firm based in Quebec, Canada.

Six arrested from UK flight after ‘stag party brawl’ on Tenerife airport tarmac[2]Matt Greenhalgh died in the crash

He studied at Bolton school[3], where he completed his A-Levels in English Language, Maths and Geography. The pilot’s first picture show him in his first officer uniform while wearing a headset in an aircraft’s cockpit.

Cabin crew member Abbie Layfield paid tribute to her colleague, reports the DailyMail[4]. Writing online, she said: “RIP Jamie so glad i had the pleasure of flying with you. You will be missed by many.

My thoughts are with all families effected [sic]. Life is so cruel.” Eli White, another cabin crew member, said the news was heartbreaking and described the pair as nice and lovely people.

Another colleague, Kara Edwards, said: “Life is truly unfair. R.I.P to the most loveliest people on this earth.” Hundreds of tributes have been shared by readers of the Liverpool Echo[5] following the tragic news as well.

Veronica O Donoghue said: “Just so so heartbreaking. Two people gone just like that. Two families heartbroken.

Thoughts and prayers go out to both families and friends, may you all find strength to get through this devastating time. God bless you all xx.”

Queuing traffic on the M62 after the double fatal accident on Thursday which killed to Ryanair crew (MEN MEDIA)

Janet Marie Edwards Catterall said: “Heartbreaking sleep well with the angels xxx.” Jillian Ashcroft also wrote: “So sad RIP both men.

Heartbreaking for the families xx. The driver was taken to hospital, where he is receiving treatment for serious injuries. One of the lorry drivers, a 61-year-old man, has been arrested on suspicion of causing death and serious injury by dangerous driving.

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

Anyone with information or dash camera footage should contact Cheshire police on 101 or via www.cheshire.police.uk//tell-us quoting IML 1867786.

References

1. ^ Ryanair (www.mirror.co.uk)
2. ^ Six arrested from UK flight after ‘stag party brawl’ on Tenerife airport tarmac (www.mirror.co.uk)
3. ^ Bolton school (www.mirror.co.uk)
4. ^ DailyMail (www.dailymail.co.uk)
5. ^ Liverpool Echo (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)