The families of two Ryanair crew who died in a taxi crash on the M62 motorway in Cheshire have told of their heartbreak.
Matt Greenhalgh, 28, and Jamie Fernandes, 24, were en route to Liverpool Airport when their taxi collided with two lorries on July 11 at around 5.30 am.
The car was in a collision with two lorries on the westbound carriageway between junctions eight and seven, near St Helens.
Both men died at the scene.
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’.
Senior First Officer Jamie Fernandes, 24, (pictured) also died in the tragic crash
Captain Matt Greenhalgh, 28, (pictured) died in a crash involving two lorries
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
‘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.
Ryanair also plans to honor the memory of the two pilots by erecting a plaque at the East Midlands Training Centre and introducing the Matt Greenhalgh and Jamie Fernandes Memorial Award, which will be presented annually to the top-performing cadet.
A link to the GoFundMe page can be found here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-memory-of-2-amazing-pilots
