Dad killed himself and daughter, 2, weeks after split from First Dates star ex
During an inquest, it was revealed that a father deliberately crashed head-on into a lorry, causing the tragic deaths of himself and his two-year-old daughter, just weeks after separating from her mother.
Ashley Henry, 35, had taken his daughter Oria to the beach for a meal of fish and chips and ice cream before the fatal collision in Lincolnshire on Father’s Day last year. The Nissan Qashqai they were traveling in flipped over, resulting in both their deaths at the scene in Anwick on June 18.
Henry had recently split from Oria’s mother, Rachael Leader, who had appeared on Channel 4’s dating show spin-off First Dates Hotel. Just two weeks prior to the incident, Henry had broken up with Leader.
Police discovered a note titled ‘Bye’ on Henry's laptop, outlining his intentions. During the inquest at Lincolnshire Coroner’s Court, Rachael was emotional as the note's contents were revealed.
Henry's note expressed his deep love for Oria, describing her as the ‘best thing to happen to me,’ but also revealed his fears of being replaced in her life and his belief that he would have ‘nothing to live for’ if anything happened to her.
The inquest also heard that Oria, who may have already been deceased before the collision, was strapped into her car seat in the front passenger seat during the crash.
Lorry driver David Ewington testified that the Nissan ‘came out of nowhere across the road’ and collided with his vehicle. Initially mistaking it for a puncture, he was unable to avoid the collision as the Nissan veered into his path.
Although initially considered an accidental collision, the incident was later investigated as a murder case by the police.
Rachael issued a heartfelt tribute to her daughter, expressing her profound love and grief. She described Oria's smile, curly hair, and the joy she brought, promising to turn her pain into purpose and keep Oria's memory alive.
The inquest into this tragic event is ongoing.
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