Warning: This article contains discussion of suicide which some readers may find distressing.
An inquest is currently taking place after a dad deliberately killed himself and his young daughter.
Ashley Henry, 35, drove head-first into a lorry, causing his own death and the death of his two-year-old daughter, Oria.
Oria’s mother, Rachael Leader, who has previously appeared on Channel 4’s First Dates Hotel in 2020, has told the inquest of her emotional anguish and heartbreak.
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The pre-planned tragedy took place on Father’s Day last year on 18 June 2023, after Ashley had taken Oria for fish and chips followed by ice-cream by the seaside in Lincolnshire.
He was driving Oria back to her mother, Rachael, when he crashed into an oncoming lorry.
The driver of the lorry, David Ewington, survived the crash. He told the court that Ashley’s Nissan Qashqai ‘came out of nowhere’ before hitting him.
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The Nissan then flipped onto its roof.
The crash took place two weeks after Ashley had split from Rachael.
Ashley died instantly from the serious traumatic injuries, and Oria was found lifeless in her car seat on the passenger side.
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The inquest was told how Oria may have been prior to the crash, possibly through suffocation.
After the death of Ashley and Oria, police found a note on his laptop titled ‘Bye’.
The note said that Oria was the ‘best thing’ to ever happen to him, but he ‘worried about being replaced’ in her life.
It included: “I must apologise. It was not an accident. It was done purposely by myself.”
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Rachael sobbed as the details of the note were read aloud to Lincolnshire’s Crown Court.
Her tribute to her daughter was issued by Lincolnshire Police.
It read: “To my darling daughter, Oria. I love you so much. I’m so sorry your precious life was taken from you.
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“You gave me so much light sweetheart, so much love and so much happiness. I will cherish each and every moment we had together.
“You had the most beautiful smile and gorgeous curly hair. You touched the hearts of many Oria and I’m so incredibly proud to be your mummy.
“I miss you so much. Whilst the pain of losing you is indescribable, I will turn it into purpose, for you and for us.
“You chose me for a reason and will continue to shine your light through me. We will shine together. My darling girl, my baby, God will keep you safe until we meet again in heaven.
“I love you Oria, mummy xxx.”
The inquest continues.
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, please don’t suffer alone. Call Samaritans for free on their anonymous 24-hour phone line on 116 123.
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677.
Kya Buller