Two Ryanair pilots who died on their way to the airport when their taxi was involved in a smash with two lorries ‘had just finished a 17-hour shift’

By Katherine Lawton[1]

Published: 01:29, 30 July 2024 | Updated: 01:30, 30 July 2024

The Ryanair pilots who died in a taxi crash on the M62 motorway in Cheshire were reportedly finishing a 17-hour shift when the tragedy happened.

Captain Matt Greenhalgh, 28, and Jamie Fernandes, 24, were en route to Liverpool Airport[2] when their taxi collided with two lorries on July 11 at around 5.30am.

The car collided with the two larger vehicles on the westbound carriageway between junctions eight and seven, near St Helens. Both men died at the scene.

The pair had started work at 11.40am the previous day, flying from Liverpool to Palma and coming back that evening.

They then flew an empty plane to Luton, where they landed at 1.14am, before getting in a taxi to go back to Liverpool airport. The pilots were then killed in the early hours of the morning.

Union Unite is demanding answers as to why the pilots were not offered a stay in a hotel when they got to Luton.

A Ryanair source told The Sun[3]: 'It leaves a very bad taste that they were on the road in the early hours.'

Captain Matt Greenhalgh, 28, (pictured) was one of the two pilots who died on his way to Liverpool Airport

Jamie Fernandes, 24, (pictured) also died when their taxi collided with two lorries on July 11

MailOnline has contacted Ryanair for comment.

The family of Mr Greenhalgh, a captain for the airline, said in a statement they were 'lost' without him but took comfort in their 'fantastic memories'.

'He was a loving husband, thoughtful son, loyal brother, caring grandson, respected colleague and valued friend,' they said.

'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.'

Senior first officer Mr Fernandes was described as 'so very kind' by his family, who said he had been 'living his best life' achieving his childhood dream of flying.

'We have been truly overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and affection to our family which shows what a special young man Jamie was and how he clearly touched the lives of more people than we could ever have imagined.

'Our darling boy was a loving son, grandson, nephew and cousin.

He is the light of our lives and always will be.'

Cheshire Police reported that a 61 year-old-man who was driving one of the lorries was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving, and has since been bailed.

The driver of the taxi was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

In response to the tragedy, a GoFundMe page was set up, and the victims' families announced that the funds raised, along with contributions from their colleagues, will be used to establish a scholarship trust to support aspiring pilots from all backgrounds.

References

1. ^ Katherine Lawton (www.dailymail.co.uk)
2. ^ Liverpool Airport (www.dailymail.co.uk)
3. ^ The Sun (www.thesun.co.uk)
4. ^ Liverpool John Lennon Airport (www.dailymail.co.uk)