Lorry driver charged over deaths of Ryanair pilots

Matt Greenhalgh (left) and Jamie Fernandes worked as captain and senior first officer for Ryanair

A lorry driver has been charged with causing the death of two Ryanair pilots in a crash on the M62 motorway.

Matt Greenhalgh, 28, and 24-year-old Jamie Fernandes were passengers in a taxi which was struck by two lorries near Warrington on 11 July 2024.

The driver of the taxi survived but suffered severe head injuries.

Cheshire Police said 63-year-old Anthony Burns, from Headington Road in Upton, Wirral, will appear in court next month to face two charges of causing death by dangerous driving and one of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

Mr Burns is due to appear at Warrington Magistrates' Court on 25 November.

The force said the collision happened around 05:31 BST between junctions 7 and 8 on the westbound carriageway.

Mr Greenhalgh was a captain and Mr Fernandes a first officer with Ryanair.

'Our darling boy'

Mr Greenhalgh's family said in a statement he was "constantly seeking new adventures" and had only married his wife, Hannah, three months before he died.

"Matt had a passion for life and seized every opportunity that came his way," his family said.

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

They described him as working "so hard" to achieve his dream career which he loved.

"He was a loving husband, thoughtful son, loyal brother, caring grandson, respected colleague and valued friend," the statement said.

"We are lost without you. You are forever in our hearts."

'"Our darling boy".

'Light of our lives'

Mr Fernandes's family said he was "living his best life" and they were grateful he had managed to achieve his childhood dream.

"In his too-short life he packed in so much and made the most of every moment."

They said he had a wide circle of friends both inside and outside of the flying community, and was known for a "wicked sense of humour".

"Our darling boy was a loving son, grandson, nephew and cousin. He is the light of our lives and always will be."

Ryanair said it would install a plaque bearing both their names at its East Midlands Training Centre.

The airline also said it planned to introduce the 'Matt Greenhalgh and Jamie Fernandes Memorial Award' which will be presented to the top-performing cadet each year.