Ex-Top Gun pilot killed household of 5 driving residence from Legoland in fireball crash

WARNING, DISTRESSING CONTENT: Richard Woods, 40, was almost four times the drink-drive limit when his blue Skoda Fabia ploughed into a Toyota Yaris on the M6 in Cumbria on October 15 last year

A former Top Gun pilot ended his own life and killed a Glasgow family in a horrific crash, as he drove on the wrong side of the motorway. Richard Woods, 40, was almost four times over the limit when his Skoda Fabia smashed head-on into a Toyota Yaris on the M6 in Cumbria, that fateful day on October 15 last year.

A nearly drained bottle of gin was found within the wreckage of Mr Woods’ vehicle. In contrast, the Toyota, which was heading home to Glasgow after a fun-filled outing to Legoland, became a fiery inferno, taking the lives of a family of five.

Dad Jaroslaw Rossa, 42, of Glasgow, along with his children Filip, age 15, and seven-year-old Dominic, perished in the inferno. Jade McEnroe, 33, Rossa’s partner, also lost her life in the catastrophic incident close to Tebay services. Her young boy Arran, aged seven, miraculously survived but was left seriously injured, reports the Daily Record.

At Cockermouth Coroners’ Court, it emerged that the Hexham-born Mr Woods, in his early years, was a rising star in science and music, even performing for Her Majesty in Newcastle.

He rose through the ranks to flight lieutenant and then to squadron leader across an illustrious 14-year career in the RAF flying fast jets. His service record boasts two tours in Afghanistan, three in Iraq – earning a commendation during one – before hanging up his uniform in 2019.

His post-RAF days saw him join BAE Systems at RAF Marham, Norfolk, imparting his knowledge as an instructor pilot. Yet, behind the scenes, Woods struggled with anxiety and alcohol dependency, seeking professional intervention. Reflecting on his time in combat to a counsellor, he starkly admitted: “I dropped bombs. It was just a job.”

The counsellor believed he was ready to turn his life around. On October 14, Mr Woods from Cambridgeshire set off for Ribby Hall Village near Preston to attend a flight safety conference, booking a hotel stay for the night.

However, things took a turn the next day at the conference when Mr Woods dozed off during the morning talks, his snores hinting at possible alcohol influence. Skipping the afternoon session, he embarked on a journey northward on the M6.

Around 3.30pm, witnesses were alarmed by the sight of his Skoda weaving across all lanes in a hazardous manner. Bryony Bedborough, one of the eyewitnesses, described the driving as erratic and dangerous. “We were terrified as to what was going to happen,” she told the authorities, noting that Mr Woods appeared “like he was either drunk or on drugs” and “like he was zoned out, in his own bubble”.

In a shocking move, Mr Woods veered onto the hard shoulder, then executed a sudden U-turn into the oncoming traffic, speeding southwards for over a mile against the flow. One driver, Gavin Howe, recounted an “incredible near-miss” with Mr Woods’ car, describing it as a “blue blur” and marvelling at how he managed to dodge the collision, saying: “How I managed to avoid this vehicle was unbelievable.”

Tragically, Mr Woods continued without braking or swerving until he smashed head-on into a Yaris. Investigators believe the Skoda may have been gunning it at over 70mph when it crashed, despite the speedometer being stuck at 65mph.

Tragedy struck as Mr Woods was declared dead due to multiple injuries. A dive into his phone history exposed 26 disturbing searches about suicide, including specific ones about military personnel taking their own lives abroad.

Det Sgt Deb Story, from Cumbria Police’s serious collision unit, pieced together the grim puzzle and guessed that Mr Woods deliberately chose to exit life while under the influence, inadvertently causing death and injury to others. “I would say that it was a deliberate act,” DS Story told an inquest, further revealing. “Had Mr Woods survived, I would have presented the case seeking a charge of manslaughter.”

Assistant Cumbria coroner Ms Margaret Taylor described the scenario as a “catastrophe” while concluding the cause of death as suicide. An inquest into the tragic deaths of Jaroslaw, Filip, Dominic and Jade is scheduled to take place at Cockermouth on April 3.

For emotional support, you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.

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