The Ryanair pilot, 28, who was killed in an M62 crash, was a newlywed who had married his wife just months earlier

26 July 2024 , 20:42

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The Ryanair pilot, 28, who was killed in an M62 crash, was a newlywed who had married his wife just months earlier

Ryan Captain Matt Greenhalgh, 28, died in a crash on the M62 along with a colleague and his family have now paid tribute to the newlywed who had a ’passion for life’

A newlywed Ryanair pilot had a "passion for life" and "already achieved so much" said his family following his death along with a colleague in a crash on the M62.

Matt Greenhalgh, 28, a Ryanair captain, was travelling to Liverpool John Lennon Airport with Senior First Officer Jamie Fernandes, 24, in a taxi when they were both killed in a collision with two lorries at 5.31am on July 11.

Both died at the scene while the driver of the taxi was taken to hospital with serious injuries. 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.

In a tribute to Matt, his family has now told how he married his wife Hannah only three months before the tragedy. "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," they said.

Jamie Fernandes ( Image: PA)

"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." 

The tribute reported the Liverpool Echo continued: "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.”

Emma Davis