Families pay tribute to Ryanair pilots who died in horror crash on M62

At 5.31am on Thursday, July 11, Matt Greenhalgh and Bolton School old boy Jamie Fernandes, captain and senior first officer respectively for Ryanair, were travelling to Liverpool John Lennon Airport in a taxi.

Tragically however, they were involved in a crash with two lorries on the westbound carriageway between junctions eight for Burtonwood and seven for Rainhill Stoops, with 28-year-old Matt and 24-year-old Jamie dying at the scene.

The driver of the taxi was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

Read more: Bolton School remembers Ryanair Pilot Jamie Fernandes

Following enquiries, a driver of one of the two lorries, a 61-year-old man, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving. He has since been released on conditional bail.

Jamie's family wrote: “Jamie was living his best life and had so many plans for the future. In his too short life, he packed in so much and made the most of every moment.

Matt and Jamie died in a crash on the M62. Picture: Google Maps

“We are grateful that he had achieved the dream he had had from childhood of flying.

“He looked forward to every day at work where it is obvious he was with a very special family of colleagues and friends, and as he said, ‘The sun always shines above the clouds’.

“Jamie loved spending time with his friends, playing golf, squash and was a keen hockey player.

“All of his friends from both school and the flying community were hugely important to him. He was so very kind and had a wicked sense of humour.

“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.”

Paying tribute, Matt's 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.”

The tragic incident has brought two families together to share and console in their grief, and a Go Fund Me page has been set up independently of the families.

They recognise that the intentions behind setting this up came from a place of kindness and would like to thank the many people who have very kindly donated to the fundraiser and through other sources.

They are also truly overwhelmed by donations, and the many wonderful comments and messages posted on social media.

The family have decided that these funds in their entirety and the generous funds raised by Matt and Jamie’s colleagues will be used to fund a scholarship trust which helps people from all backgrounds in their journey to becoming pilots.

In addition, in honour of Matt and Jamie’s memory, Ryanair will be erecting a plaque with their names at East Midlands Training Centre.

The airline will also be introducing the ‘Matt Greenhalgh and Jamie Fernandes Memorial Award’ which will be presented to the top performing cadet each year.

The GoFundMe page has already generated £36,900, and if you would like to donate, visit gofundme.com/f/in-memory-of-2-amazing-pilots

The page reads: “Here at Ryanair, we are sad to hear of the loss of two amazing colleagues I had the pleasure of working with in Manchester.

“Matt and Jamie also worked with our colleagues based in Liverpool and will be missed by all.

“As a team, we would like to raise some money to go and help Matt and Jamie’s families with any costs for funeral arrangements, and after in the long term.

“Half of the proceeds will go towards Matt’s family, and the other half to Jamie’s family. Two amazing guys gone too soon.”