Richard Woods, who was significantly over the legal alcohol limit, collided with a family’s vehicle on the M6 highway last year.
Today, an inquest was informed that Richard Woods, a former pilot renowned for his ‘Top Gun’ skills, tragically killed a Glasgow family by crashing into their car while he was driving on the wrong side of the motorway.
On October 15 of the previous year, Richard Woods, 40 years old, was found to have alcohol levels nearly four times over the permissible driving limit when his blue Skoda Fabia violently struck a Toyota Yaris on the M6 in Cumbria.
Inside Mr. Woods’ wrecked Skoda was a two-thirds empty gin bottle. Meanwhile, the Toyota, which was on its way back to Glasgow after a family outing to Legoland, became a fiery wreck, trapping a family of five.
Jaroslaw Rossa, a 42-year-old father from Glasgow, perished in the accident along with his two sons, Filip, aged 15, and Dominic, aged seven. Jade McEnroe, his 33-year-old partner, also lost her life in the devastating incident near Tebay services.
The sole survivor of the horrible event was Jade’s seven-year-old son, Arran, who sustained serious injuries.
In a session held at Cockermouth Coroners’ Court, the life of Mr. Woods was scrutinized. He was born in Hexham and displayed early talents in science and music, once performing for the Queen in Newcastle.
He later ascended to the ranks of flight lieutenant and squadron leader during an illustrious 14-year career with the RAF as a fast jet pilot. His service record included two tours in Afghanistan and three in Iraq, one of which earned him a commendation, before he left the RAF in 2019.
After his military career, Mr. Woods took up a role as an instructor pilot for BAE Systems at RAF Marham, Norfolk. He battled anxiety and alcohol issues, for which he sought professional help. He confided to a counselor about his past role in combat, stating, “I dropped bombs. It was just a job.”
His counselor believed he was determined to turn his life around. On October 14, Mr. Woods traveled to Ribby Hall Village near Preston for a flight safety conference and stayed overnight in a hotel.
The following day, he attended the conference but fell asleep during morning lectures, possibly due to alcohol effects. He missed the afternoon session and instead drove northward on the M6.
Around 3:30 p.m., witnesses reported seeing his Skoda drifting erratically across all lanes headed northbound. Bryony Bedborough, a witness, described his driving as “erratic, unsafe, and dangerous.” She added that he appeared “either drunk or on drugs” and seemed “zoned out, in his own bubble.”
Mr. Woods then made a sudden U-turn from the hard shoulder across to the southbound lane and continued straight for over a mile. One driver, Gavin Howe, recalled narrowly missing Woods’ vehicle, describing it as a “blue blur.” He was astounded by his own ability to avoid a collision.
Without braking or attempting to swerve, Mr. Woods’ vehicle collided head-on with the Yaris. The impact was so severe that one motorist recalled hearing a “loud explosion” and seeing debris fall from the sky. The Yaris flipped onto its side and caught fire almost immediately.
The aftermath was chaotic, with bystanders rushing to assist and emergency teams arriving swiftly. The Skoda’s speedometer was locked at 65 mph, although it might have been traveling faster at the moment of impact, according to police analysis.
Mr. Woods succumbed to multiple injuries. His mobile phone revealed he had made 26 searches related to suicide, including queries about military personnel committing suicide overseas.
Cumbria police’s serious collision investigation unit, led by Det Sgt Deb Story, concluded from the evidence that Mr. Woods had intended to end his life while under the influence and tragically involved others in his death.
“It was a deliberate act,” DS Story stated at the hearing, noting that had Mr. Woods survived, she would have pursued manslaughter charges against him.
Assistant Cumbria coroner Ms. Margaret Taylor recorded a conclusion of suicide at the hearing, calling the event a “catastrophe” and extended her deepest condolences to the victims’ families while acknowledging the broader impact on the community.
Keith Woods, Richard’s father, described his son during the inquest as “a decent, honorable man, modest and kind to others; just a troubled soul who lost his way.”
An additional inquest into the deaths of Jaroslaw, Filip, Dominic, and Jade is scheduled to take place in Cockermouth on April 3.
Hi, I’m Benjamin, a member of the Sherburne County Citizen team. With a passion for writing and a deep interest in current affairs, I thoroughly enjoy bringing you the latest news and trends that affect our daily lives.
