Suicidal drunk driver killed family while driving on the wrong side of the M6

Ex-Top Gun pilot, Richard Woods, 40, was almost four times the drink-drive limit when his blue Skoda Fabia ploughed into a Toyota Yaris on the M6 motorway

12:23, 28 Mar 2025Updated 13:12, 28 Mar 2025

Filip, Dominic and Jaroslaw Rossa(Image: Cumbria Police)

A former 'Top Gun' pilot took his own life along with a family in a horrifying motorway crash, an inquest was told.

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Richard Woods, aged 40, was almost four times over the legal alcohol limit when his blue Skoda Fabia ploughed into a Toyota Yaris on the M6 in Cumbria, on Oct 15 last year.

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In Woods' vehicle, investigators discovered a two-thirds empty bottle of gin after the collision, which saw the Glasgow-bound Toyota burst into flames, tragically resulting in the deaths of Jaroslaw Rossa, 42, and his children Filip, 15, Dominic, seven, alongside his partner Jade McEnroe, 33. McEnroe's son Arran, 7, was the sole survivor but badly injured.

During the inquest at Cockermouth Coroners' Court, it was revealed that Mr Woods, originally from Hexham, had displayed talents in science and music during his youth, even performing for the Queen in Newcastle. He later served in the RAF for 14 years with tours in Afghanistan and Iraq, leaving service in 2019 to work as an instructor pilot for BAE Systems at RAF Marham, Norfolk.

Struggling with anxiety and a detrimental relationship with alcohol, he had sought help, once telling a counsellor about his time as a fighter pilot: "I dropped bombs.

It was just a job."

The counsellor eventually concluded that he wanted to better his life and get back on track. On October 14, Mr Woods, from Cambridgeshire, travelled to Ribby Hall Village, near Preston, for a flight safety conference, staying overnight at a hotel, reports the Daily Record [1].

At the conference the following day, he fell asleep and was heard snoring during morning lectures, possibly under the influence of alcohol. Mr Woods failed to show for the afternoon session and instead headed north on the M6.

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At around 3.30pm, eyewitnesses saw his Skoda travelling northbound.

According to one witness, Bryony Bedborough, it was drifting between all three lanes, travelling erratically, unsafely, and dangerously.

"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".

Mr Woods pulled onto the hard shoulder before making a sudden U-turn across the northbound carriageway and into lane three, heading south in a straight line for more than a mile.

Help and support

Samaritans (116 123) samaritans.org operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you're feeling, or if you're worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at [email protected][3], write to Freepost SAMARITANS LETTERS (no more information needed) and visit www.samaritans.org/branches to find your nearest branch.

For support for people feeling suicidal, if you are concerned about someone or if you are bereaved by suicide see http://shiningalightonsuicide.org.uk [4]

CALM (0800 58 58 58) thecalmzone.net has a helpline is for men who are down or have hit a wall for any reason, who need to talk or find information and support.

They're open 5pm to midnight, 365 days a year.

Greater Manchester Bereavement Service Greater Manchester Bereavement Service can help to find support for anyone in Greater Manchester that has been bereaved or affected by a death. No one needs to feel alone as they deal with their grief. www.greater-manchester-bereavement-service.org.uk [5]

Childline (0800 1111 ) runs a helpline for children and young people in the UK. Calls are free and the number won't show up on your phone bill.

PAPYRUS (0800 068 41 41) is a voluntary organisation supporting teenagers and young adults who are feeling suicidal.

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These helplines are free to call from all phones. Adult Helpline: 0808 801 0677, Studentline: 0808 801 0811, Youthline: 0808 801 0711. www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk [6]

Anorexia & Bulimia Care: ABC provide on-going care, emotional support and practical guidance for anyone affected by eating disorders, those struggling personally and parents, families and friends. Helpline: 03000 11 12 13. www.anorexiabulimiacare.org.uk/[7]

Students Against Depression is a website for students who are depressed, have a low mood or are having suicidal thoughts.

Bullying UK is a website for both children and adults affected by bullying studentsagainstdepression.org [8]

For information and links to charities and organisations that can help with substance abuse, visit https://www.supportline.org.uk/problems/drugs/[9]

There was one 'incredible near-miss' with a vehicle, Gavin Howe recalling a "blue blur", swerving and reflecting: "How I managed to avoid this vehicle was unbelievable."

Mr Woods travelled on, neither braking nor taking any evasive action, as he collided with the Yaris head-on. One motorist recalled a "loud explosion" and "debris raining down from above".

"The driver of the (Yaris) had no time to react," reported witness Gavin Walsh. As the Yaris flipped onto its side and was engulfed in flames, bystanders rushed to try and help, with emergency services quickly on scene.

Dominic Rossa, aged 7 and Filip Rossa, aged 15(Image: Cumbria Police)

The Skoda's speedometer was frozen at 65 mph.

But the vehicle may have been travelling in speeds in excess of 70 mph at the point of impact, police found.

Mr Woods died from multiple injuries.

Analysis of his mobile phone revealed 26 prior searches covering suicide and suicide of military personnel overseas.

Det Sgt Deb Story, of Cumbria police's serious collision investigation unit, concluded after considering all evidence that Mr Woods had wanted to end his life, while intoxicated, and in doing so killed and injured others.

Arran with his mum Jade(Image: Cumbria Police)

"I would say that it was a deliberate act," DS Story told the hearing, adding: "Had Mr Woods survived, I would have presented the case seeking a charge of manslaughter."

Recording a conclusion of suicide, Assistant Cumbria coroner Ms Margaret Taylor called the incident a "catastrophe".

She added: "The only thing I can do 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."

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In a statement read 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."

An inquest into the deaths of Jaroslaw, Filip, Dominic and Jade is due to be held at Cockermouth on April 3.

References

^ the Daily Record (www.dailyrecord.co.uk)
^ HERE (chat.whatsapp.com)
^ [email protected] (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
^ http://shiningalightonsuicide.org.uk (t.co)
^ www.greater-manchester-bereavement-service.org.uk (www.greater-manchester-bereavement-service.org.uk)
^ www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk (www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk)
^ www.anorexiabulimiacare.org.uk/ (www.anorexiabulimiacare.org.uk)
^ studentsagainstdepression.org (www.google.com)
^ https://www.supportline.org.uk/problems/drugs/ (www.supportline.org.uk)