Inquest opened into death of man who entered M6 wrong way and killed four Scots

An investigation has been opened into the death of the flying manWe took the wrong turn on the motorway, causing a head-on collision that killed two adults and two children heading towards Scotland.

Police were called to the scene of the tragic accident on the M6 northbound carriageway between Penrith and Kendal, near Tebay in Cumbria, on Tuesday 15 October.

Richard John Woods, from Cambridgeshire, crashed head-on into the Toyota in a southbound Skoda.

It was announced that the 40-year-old flight instructor died at the scene.

Toyota driver Jaroslaw Rossa, 42, of Kilvaxter Drive in Glasgow, was killed along with his two sons Filip, 15, and seven-year-old Dominic. Passenger Jade McEnroe, 33, also died.

His seven-year-old son Arran survived the crash but was seriously injured and taken to hospital in Newcastle-upon-Tyne for treatment.

Deeply moving tributes to four dead Toyota passengers were released via Cumbria police last week.

The boys’ mother, Kamila, said: “We are so sorry to hear of the passing of our beloved angels Filip and Dominic.

Flip was “very intelligent, sensitive and loving”. He said Dominic was “always smiling, very determined and enterprising”.

“Our lives will never be the same again,” Kamila added.

Jade’s parents, from Glasgow, said she was “much loved” and will be missed every day. “You are a much-loved mummy to Arran,” they added.

The inquest into Mr Woods’ death was formally opened at Cockermouth Coroner’s Court on Thursday.

The hearing was told he died four days shy of his 41st birthday. A fingerprint officer had presented official proof of identification.

Cumbria deputy coroner Miss Margaret Taylor said of Mr Woods: “He leaves behind a family. He was a flying instructor by profession and was born in Northumberland.”

Outlining the brief circumstances surrounding Mr Woods’ death, Ms Taylor told the inquest: “He died as a result of multiple injuries. He was driving between junctions 38 and 39 of the M6 motorway.

“He was traveling the wrong way on the highway when he collided with a Toyota motor vehicle, which included Mr. Woods and other passengers who died at the scene.”

Ms Taylor concluded: “In all circumstances there will need to be an inquest into Mr Woods’ death. Therefore, I am leaving this matter aside today until the investigations are completed.

“Investigations are expected to be completed by 27 March 2025 and it is hoped that the full investigation will continue so that Mr Woods’ death can finally be recorded.”