THE inquest into the deaths of two Ryanair pilots who were killed after a fatal crash on the M62 has formally opened.

At 5.31am on Thursday, July 11, Matthew Greenhalgh and Jamie Fernandes, captain and senior first officer respectively for Ryanair, were travelling by taxi along the M62 towards Liverpool John Lennon Airport.

Matthew, 28, and Jamie, 24, were tragically killed after the taxi was struck to the rear by a heavy goods vehicle.

The crash, which occurred between junction eight, Burtonwood, and seven, Rainhill Stoops, left the driver of the taxi with serious injuries and both Matt and Jamie died at the scene.

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

The inquest into the deaths of Matt, who is from Prescot, and Jamie, who is from Chorley, has been officially opened by area coroner, Victoria Davies.

Cheshire Coroners’ Court heard on Wednesday morning that the cause of death is unnatural.

The court heard that further information is required before the full inquest into their deaths can take place on February 12, 2025.

Following the fatal crash, the families of both pilots paid tribute.

“Matt had a passion for life and seized every opportunity that came his way,” said Matt’s family.

“He had already achieved so much in such a short life, which 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.”

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.

“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.”

In memory of Matt and Jamie, a Go Fund Me page has been set up to be used to create a scholarship trust and help people from all backgrounds in their journey to becoming a pilot.

In addition, in honour of Matt and Jamie’s memory, Ryanair will be erecting a plaque with their names at East Midlands Training Centre and introducing the ‘Matt Greenhalgh and Jamie Fernandes Memorial Award’ which will be presented to the top performing cadet each year.