Lorry driver charged after Ryanair pilots killed in M62 crash

Pilots Matt Greenhalgh and Jamie Fernandes were travelling to Liverpool John Lennon Airport when they were killed

15:12, 23 Oct 2025

A lorry driver has been charged following a motorway pile-up which claimed the lives of two Ryanair pilots. Captain Matt Greenhalgh, 28, and Senior First Officer Jamie Fernandes,[1] 24, were travelling to Liverpool John Lennon Airport[2] in a taxi at 5.31am on July 11 last year when they were killed in a horrific crash on the M62.

The incident, which involved the taxi and two lorries, occurred on the westbound carriageway between junction 8 and junction 7. Mr Greenhalgh[3] and Mr Fernandes died at the scene, while the taxi driver was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

Cheshire Police have today announced that a lorry driver has been charged with two counts of causing death by dangerous driving, and one of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, in relation to the incident.

Anthony Burns, 63, of Headington Road, Upton[4], has been summonsed to appear at Warrington[5] Magistrates Court on November 25 this year.

Following the incident, tributes to both Mr Fernandes and Mr Greenhalgh poured in on social media. An online fund-raiser set up to pay for their funerals and support their families raised more than GBP40,000.[6][7]

Mr Fernandes, who joined Ryanair as a first officer just two months before his death according to his LinkedIn profile, had previously studied at Buckinghamshire New University and the independent Bolton School, before taking his pilot's licence at Quebec-based company CAE.

Philip Britton, head of foundation at Bolton School, said in a tribute shortly after his death: "We are very sad to hear the news of the tragic death of our Old Boy Jamie Fernandes this week.

"A keen hockey player while at school, we were pleased to see him realise his ambition to be a pilot. Our thoughts are with his family and all his friends."

Mr Greenhalgh, from Stockport, studied at Middlesex University, and was a member of Marple Rugby Club, where he had played alongside his dad.

In a tribute to him, his family said: "Matt had a passion for life and seized every opportunity that came his way.

He had already achieved so much in such a short life, with so much more planned.

"Matt discovered his ambition for becoming a pilot in his teenage years, following a flying lesson that was gifted by his aunt. His hard work and determination led to a successful career with Ryanair, recently being promoted to Captain.

"He loved the skies and flying, never growing tired of the scenic views from the cockpit.

"Matt was a keen sportsman; in his younger years enjoying rugby and cricket, and more recently golf and cycling. He wanted to try anything and everything, constantly seeking new adventures.

"Matt and his wife, Hannah, also enjoyed travelling.

Their last trip being Las Vegas, where they were married just three months before his tragic death.

"We take comfort that we will hold so many fantastic memories of our time with him. He was a loving husband, thoughtful son, loyal brother, caring grandson, respected colleague and valued friend.

"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. We are lost without you.

You are forever in our hearts."

References

1. ^ Jamie Fernandes, (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
2. ^ Liverpool John Lennon Airport (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
3. ^ Mr Greenhalgh (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
4. ^ Upton (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
5. ^ Warrington (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
6. ^ An online fund-raiser (www.gofundme.com)
7. ^ raised more than GBP40,000. (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)