A former elite pilot tragically took his own life and killed a family from Glasgow in a horrific motorway collision, an inquest was told.
Richard Woods, aged 40, was nearly four times over the legal alcohol limit when his blue Skoda Fabia collided head-on with a Toyota Yaris on the M6 in Cumbria on 15 October last year.
The inquest heard that a partially empty bottle of gin was discovered in Mr Woods' wrecked vehicle, while the Toyota, which was en route to Glasgow carrying a family of five returning from Legoland, was consumed by flames.
Jaroslaw Rossa, 42, from Glasgow, died alongside his children, Filip, 15, and Dominic, seven. His partner, Jade McEnroe, 33, also lost her life in the devastating incident near Tebay services.
Jade's young son Arran, aged 7, who was airlifted to the RVI following the collision, miraculously survived but suffered serious injuries, reports the Daily Record.
Cockermouth Coroners' Court heard how, Hexham-born Mr Woods, excelled at science and music in younger years, playing for the Queen in Newcastle.
His career in the RAF spanned 14 years, where he rose to the rank of squadron leader as a fast jet pilot. He completed two tours in Afghanistan and three in Iraq, earning a commendation for one of them, before leaving the service in 2019.
Post-RAF, he worked at BAE Systems in RAF Marham, Norfolk, as an instructor pilot. The court learned of his struggles with anxiety and alcohol, for which he sought professional assistance.
Reflecting on his time as a fighter jet pilot, he once told a counsellor, "I dropped bombs. It was just a job."
The counsellor eventually decided he wanted to improve his life and get back on track. On October 14, Mr Woods, from Cambridgeshire, attended a flight safety conference at Ribby Hall Village, near Preston, where he stayed overnight in a hotel.
The next day at the conference, he was found asleep and snoring during the morning lectures, possibly due to alcohol. Mr Woods didn't show up for the afternoon session and instead headed north on the M6.
Around 3.30pm, eyewitnesses reported seeing his Skoda travelling erratically and dangerously across all three lanes of the northbound carriageway. One witness, Bryony Bedborough, described the situation as terrifying.
"We were terrified as to what was going to happen," she later told police. He appeared "like he was either drunk or on drugs", "like he was zoned out, in his own bubble".
Mr Woods then pulled onto the hard shoulder before making a sudden U-turn across the northbound carriageway and into lane three, heading south for over a mile.
There was one 'incredible near-miss' with a vehicle, with Gavin Howe describing a "blue blur" and reflecting: "How I managed to avoid this vehicle was unbelievable."
Mr Woods continued driving, neither braking nor taking any evasive action, until he collided head-on with a Yaris. One motorist recalled hearing a "loud explosion" and seeing "debris raining down from above".
"The driver of the (Yaris) had no time to react," said eyewitness Gavin Walsh. As the Yaris tipped over and was consumed by fire, onlookers hurried to assist, with emergency services arriving promptly.
The speedometer of the Skoda was stuck at 65 mph. However, police discovered that the car might have been moving at speeds exceeding 70 mph at the moment of collision.
Mr Woods succumbed to multiple injuries. Examination of his mobile phone revealed 26 previous searches related to suicide and military personnel's suicides abroad.
Det Sgt Deb Story, from Cumbria police's serious collision investigation unit, concluded after reviewing all evidence that Mr Woods intended to take his own life while under the influence, causing death and injury to others in the process.
"I would say that it was a deliberate act," DS Story informed the hearing, adding, "Had Mr Woods survived, I would have presented the case seeking a charge of manslaughter."
Recording a conclusion of suicide, Assistant Cumbria coroner Ms Margaret Taylor described the incident as a "catastrophe".
She continued: "The only thing I can do is to express my condolences to the family for the tragedy that has ensued, but also to remember those who were involved as collateral to this tragic event."
In a statement read out at the inquest, Mr Woods' father, Keith, said: "Richard was a decent, honourable man, modest and kind towards others; just a troubled soul who lost his way."
An inquest into the tragic deaths of Jaroslaw, Filip, Dominic and Jade is scheduled to take place at Cockermouth on April 3.
How to access support if you need it
If this piece has affected you and you want to talk to someone, there are helplines and support groups available, many of them 24/7.
The NHS Choices website lists the following helplines and support networks for people to talk to.
- Samaritans (116 123 in UK and Ireland) operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you're feeling, or if you're worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org.
- Childline (0800 1111) runs a helpline for children and young people in the UK. Calls are free and the number won't show up on your phone bill.
- PAPYRUS (0800 068 41 41) is a voluntary organisation supporting teenagers and young adults who are feeling suicidal.
- Mind (0300 123 3393) is a charity based in England providing advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.
- Students Against Depression is a website for students who are depressed, have a low mood or are having suicidal thoughts.
- Bullying UK is a website for both children and adults affected by bullying.
- If U Care Share is a suicide prevention and postvention support charity. For free confidential text support text IUCS to 85258.
James' Place provide free, life-saving treatment for suicidal men, and those identifying as male, in the North East. Men can refer themselves or be referred by a professional including those working in health and community services, or by a friend or family member.
