Lorry driver charged over M62 crash which killed two Ryanair pilots
Matt Greenhalgh and Jamie Fernandes died on their way to work at Liverpool Airport
Last updated 23rd Oct 2025
A lorry driver has been charged after a crash on the M62 in which two Ryanair pilots died
Matt Greenhalgh, 28, and Jamie Fernandes, 24, were on their way to work at Liverpool Airport when the taxi they were travelling in was involved in a crash with two lorries on the westbound carriageway between junction 8 and junction 7, near Warrington.
It happened at around 5.31am on 11th July 2024.
Both Matt and Jamie died at the scene. The taxi driver was taken to hospital with serious injuries.
The pair were Captain and Senior First Officer at Ryanair and had been travelling together for an early shift.
Anthony Burns, 63, from Headington Road in Upton, has now been charged with two counts of causing death by dangerous driving and one of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
He is due to appear at Warrington Magistrates Court on 25th November.
Families pay tribute
Matt’s family described him as a “loving husband, thoughtful son, loyal brother, caring grandson, respected colleague and valued friend”.
They said he had a passion for life and had recently married his wife Hannah during a trip to Las Vegas just three months before his death.
“He loved the skies and flying, never growing tired of the scenic views from the cockpit,” his family said. “We are lost without you. You are forever in our hearts.”
Jamie’s family said he had achieved his dream of becoming a pilot and “looked forward to every day at work”.
They described him as “the light of our lives” and said he had packed so much into his life and made the most of every moment.
“The sun always shines above the clouds,” Jamie once said, reflecting his love for flying.
Memorial award and scholarship fund
A fundraiser set up independently of the families has raised thousands of pounds, with donations and tributes pouring in from across the aviation community and beyond.
Their families have said all donations will go towards creating a scholarship trust to help people from all backgrounds train to become pilots.
In memory of the two men, Ryanair will also install a plaque bearing their names at its East Midlands Training Centre.
A new annual award – the Matt Greenhalgh and Jamie Fernandes Memorial Award – will also be introduced, given to the top-performing cadet.