Driver who caused the deaths of four people intended to take his own life on the M6, inquest hears
A man who caused a crash that killed a family of four - including two children - by driving in the wrong direction of the M6 did so with the intention to end his own life, an inquest has heard.
Former Royal Air Force (RAF) pilot Richard Woods, 40, drove his Skoda at 70mph for more than a mile in the third lane of the motorway, by Tebay services, just after 4pm on 15 October 2024.
The 40-year-old crashed head on with a Toyota travelling northbound, killing Jaroslaw Rossa, 42, from Glasgow - his two sons, Filip, 15, and Dominic, 7 - as well as his partner Jade McEnroe. An inquest into their deaths will take place next week.
Ms McEnroe's son Arran, 7, survived the incident after being taken to Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary with serious injuries.
Mr Woods, from Cambridgeshire, was almost four times the legal drink-drive limit while at the wheel. Cockermouth Coroners' Court heard that a third-full bottle of gin was discovered in his vehicle.
During his 14-year RAF career as a jet pilot, he completed three tours of Iraq and two tours of Afghanistan.
He later worked for BAE Systems as a lead contractor instructor in Norfolk after leaving the Royal Air Force in 2019.
The inquest heard that he had a history of alcohol abuse and suffered with anxiety, for which he received professional support.
He told a counsellor about his previous jet work: "I dropped bombs. It was just a job."
The counsellor believed Mr Woods wanted to improve his life and get back on track.
The 40-year-old travelled to Ribby Hall Village, near Preston for a flight safety conference, staying overnight in a hotel. He fell asleep during the morning lectures the next day, with attendees concerned that he could be under the influence of alcohol.
Mr Woods failed to appear in the afternoon and headed north on the M6.
Motorists witnessed Mr Woods driving dangerously across all three motorway lanes just after 3:30pm.
One witness, Bryony Bedborough said: "We were terrified as to what was going to happen," she later told police. He looked "like he was either drunk or on drugs", "like he was zoned out, in his own bubble".
The inquest heard how Mr Woods pulled onto the hard shoulder before making a sudden U-turn, driving in a straight line for more than a mile in the wrong direction along the northbound carriageway.
Mr Woods narrowly avoided crashing with other vehicles before he collided with the Toyota Yaris. One motorist recalls a "loud explosion" and "debris raining down from above".
"The driver of the (Yaris) had no time to react," reported witness Gavin Walsh.
The Yaris flipped onto its side and caught fire.
Bystanders and emergency services rushed to try help the family.
Mr Woods died from multiple injuries. Analysis of his mobile phone revealed 26 prior searches covering suicide and suicide of military personnel overseas.
Detective Sergeant Deb Story, from Cumbria Police, concluded that Mr Woods intended to end his life.
She said: "I would say that it was a deliberate act,"
"Had Mr Woods survived, I would have presented the case seeking a charge of manslaughter," she added.
Assistant Cumbria coroner Ms Margaret Taylor concluded his death a suicide and called the incident a "catastrophe".
Ms Taylor said: "The only thing I can do at this stage is to express my condolences to the family for the tragedy that has ensued, but also to remember those who were also involved as collateral to this tragic event."
In a statement to the inquest, Mr Woods' father, Keith said: "Richard was a decent, honourable man, modest and kind towards others; just a troubled soul who lost his way."
Where to find help if you are struggling in Cumbria and southern Scotland:
Samaritans provides round-the-clock support for people when they need it most.
You can call them 24 hours a day on 116 123. They also have tips if you're concerned about someone you know[2].
Mind provides advice and support[4] to help anyone experiencing a mental health problem.
They also campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.
You can call them Monday to Friday between 9am and 6pm on 0300 123 3393. You can also text them on 86463.
An organisation aimed at helping people under the age of 35.
You can call them on 0800 068 4141.
Childline is for anyone under 19. They have trained counsellors on hand to help with any problem, at any time.
You can call them on 0800 1111 at any time.
They also have a 1-2-1 counsellor chat[7] online.
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References
- ^ Samaritans (www.samaritans.org)
- ^ concerned about someone you know (www.samaritans.org)
- ^ Mind (www.mind.org.uk)
- ^ advice and support (www.mind.org.uk)
- ^ Papyrus (www.papyrus-uk.org)
- ^ Childline (www.childline.org.uk)
- ^ 1-2-1 counsellor chat (www.childline.org.uk)