Ryanair pilot, 28, killed in M62 lorry crash pictured as rugby club pays tribute

A Ryanair pilot killed in a crash on the M62 alongside his co-pilot has been pictured for the first time as tributes are paid.

Captain Matt Greenhalgh, 28, and senior first officer Jamie Fernandes, 24, were travelling to Liverpool John Lennon Airport in a taxi when the crash happened at 5.30am on Thursday. It involved the taxi and two lorries on the westbound carriageway between junction 8 and junction 7.

The two pilots died at the scene. Their next of kin are being supported by specialist police officers, Cheshire Police said. Mr Greenhalgh, from Stockport, is understood to have been married and to have studied at Middlesex University.

READ MORE: Young Ryanair pilot who died in devastating M62 lorry collision pictured

Marple Rugby Club, where he had played alongside his dad, posted a tribute to their former player. It said: "All at Marple are saddened to hear of the untimely passing of former player Matt Greenhalgh. Matt played for us as a mini and junior, as part of a successful colts team and as a senior player, often alongside his very proud dad John."

"Despite not playing regularly for a few years, Matt's team mates from his colt days always talked fondly of him and a player and as a bloke. Our thoughts and condolences go to John, the rest of Matt's family, friends and all who knew him."

A number of Ryanair colleagues including several based at Liverpool have shared tributes to the men, with some changing their social media profile pictures to a blacked-out Ryanair logo in commemoration.

Posting on Facebook, Ryanair cabin service supervisor Jayne Smith, from Liverpool, described the two men's deaths as "absolutely devastating."

According to Mr Fernandes's LinkedIn profile, he had been a first officer for the