Ex-RAF pilot killed family and himself when he deliberately drove wrong way down motorway

An inquest has heard that a former RAF pilot caused his own death and the deaths of four others when he deliberately drove into oncoming traffic on a motorway. The tragic incident, which included two children among the fatalities, occurred on the M6 in Cumbria. Richard John Woods, 40, was found to be nearly four times over the legal drink-drive limit at the time of the fatal collision on October 15 last year.

He was behind the wheel of a blue Skoda Fabia when he drove the wrong way down the motorway and collided head-on with a Toyota Yaris on the northbound carriageway shortly after 4pm. The inquest at Cockermouth Coroners' Court revealed that a two-thirds empty bottle of gin was discovered in the wrecked Skoda. The Toyota caught fire at the crash site, resulting in the death of four out of its five passengers.

Jaroslaw Rossa, 42, who was driving the Toyota, his partner Jade McEnroe, 33, and their two children, Filip, five, and Dominic, seven, all lost their lives at the scene. However, Jade's seven year old son Arran survived the horrific accident, despite sustaining serious injuries. The inquest also shed light on Mr Woods' background.

Born in Hexham but residing in Cambridgeshire, he had been an enthusiastic piano and trumpet player in his youth, even performing for the Queen in Newcastle, reports the Express[1]. Get all the latest and breaking news in Yorkshire by signing up to our newsletter here.[2] His career path led him to become a flight lieutenant and then squadron leader as a fast jet pilot.

Mr Woods had a distinguished 14-year career with the RAF, during which he served two tours in Afghanistan and three in Iraq. He received one commendation and left the force in 2019. The inquest revealed that Mr Woods had sought professional help for his struggles with alcohol and anxiety.

He once told a counsellor about his past work as a fighter jet pilot, saying: "I dropped bombs. It was just a job." The counsellor concluded that he was keen to improve his life and get back on track.

On October 14 last year, Mr Woods attended a flight safety conference at Ribby Hall Village near Preston. He stayed overnight at a hotel but fell asleep during the conference the next day. His snoring was heard during the morning lectures, leading some attendees to suspect he was under the influence of alcohol.

Mr Woods then failed to attend the afternoon session and instead headed north on the M6. His Skoda was seen driving erratically around 3.30pm, weaving between all three lanes. Eyewitness Bryony Bedborough told police: "We were terrified as to what was going to happen."

She added that he appeared to be either drunk or on drugs, "like he was zoned out, in his own bubble".

Mr Woods then made a sudden U-turn across the motorway from the hard shoulder, deliberately driving south down the northbound carriageway for over a mile. He narrowly avoided a collision with motorist Gavin Howe, who described seeing a "blue blur". He said: "How I managed to avoid this vehicle was unbelievable."

Mr Woods continued driving without attempting to brake or swerve, resulting in a head-on collision with the Yaris. One witness described a "loud explosion" and "debris raining down from above". Gavin Walsh, who witnessed the incident, stated: "The driver of the Yaris had no time to react."

The Yaris overturned and erupted into flames, and despite the efforts of bystanders and emergency services, four people inside the vehicle tragically lost their lives. According to police, the Skoda may have been travelling at speeds of 70mph or higher at the time of the crash. Mr Woods also sustained fatal injuries in the collision.

An analysis of his mobile phone revealed 26 previous searches related to suicide and military personnel taking their own lives overseas.

Detective Sergeant Deb Story, from Cumbria police's serious collision investigation unit, concluded that Mr Woods had intentionally taken his own life. In her testimony, DS Story stated: "I would say that it was a deliberate act," adding, "Had Mr Woods survived, I would have presented the case seeking a charge of manslaughter." Assistant Cumbria coroner Margaret Taylor expressed her condolences to the families affected, saying: "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 involved as collateral to this tragic event."

In a statement read during the inquest, Mr Woods' father, Keith, described his son as "a decent, honourable man, modest and kind towards others; just a troubled soul who lost his way."

References

1. ^ the Express (www.express.co.uk)
2. ^ signing up to our newsletter here. (www.examinerlive.co.uk)