The daughter of a woman who appeared on Channel 4’s First Dates Hotel was already dead when her father crashed into a truck in a suspected murder-suicide, an inquest has heard.
Two-year-old Oria Henry had spent the weekend in Skegness with her father Ashley Henry, 35, and was driving back to Leicestershire when she left a carriageway and walked directly into the path of a heavy vehicle which was approached.
Police initially treated the tragedy, which took place on Father’s Day last year, as a simple collision, but later launched a murder investigation after “careful consideration”.
Oria’s mother Rachael Leader, who works in global procurement for soft drinks giant PepsiCo and appeared on Channel 4 spin-off dating show First Dates Hotel in 2020, was separated from her ex-partner.
An inquest, held at Grimsby Town Hall on Wednesday, concluded it was likely that Oria, who only saw her father at weekends, was not alive at the time of the collision, although exactly how she died has not been determined.
A note recovered from Ashley’s computer, which was located at her home, clearly stated her purpose and intention to end her own life and that of her daughter on Father’s Day.
Oria Henry, who was allegedly killed by her father Ashley Henry, 35, in a horrific accident as she returned home from a weekend at the beach on Father’s Day last year.
Oria’s mother, Rachael, pictured with Ashley and Oria before tragedy struck last year.
Oria’s mother, Rachael Leader, appeared on the Channel 4 spin-off dating show First Dates Hotel in 2020.
Oria was last seen alive at 10.48am on June 18, 2023, just hours before she and her father were pronounced dead at the scene on the A153 between Ruskington and Anwick at around 2.45pm.
The coroner’s report says his death was likely the result of an unlawful act that took place sometime before the traffic collision.
Ashley had a limited medical history, but this included periods of anxiety and depression and was not taking the breakup of her relationship well.
There was no evidence that the car had braked before the collision, according to the investigation.
Mum-of-one Rachael paid a touching tribute to her two-year-old daughter after the tragic incident.
She said: ‘To my dear daughter, Oria. I love you a lot. I am so sorry that your precious life was taken from you. You gave me so much light darling, so much love and so much happiness.
‘I will cherish each and every moment we spent together. You had the most beautiful smile and gorgeous curly hair.
‘You touched the hearts of many people, Oria, and I am incredibly proud to be your mother. I miss you a lot.
‘While the pain of losing you is indescribable, I will turn it into a purpose, for you and for us. You chose me for a reason and you will continue to shine your light through me.
‘We will shine together. My dear girl, my baby, God will keep you safe until we meet again in heaven. I love you, Oria.’
Little Oria was last seen alive at 10:48 a.m. on June 18, 2023, just hours before she and her father were declared dead.
Mother Rachael and Oria Henry photographed together before the young woman’s death
Miss Leader later shared her grief on social media after police revealed they were investigating the double death as a murder-suicide.
The devastated mother from Broughton Astley, Leicestershire, reposted a police update confirming the investigation was now a murder investigation, along with the comment “my baby” and crying and broken heart emojis.
On Instagram, she wrote alongside a photo of her smiling daughter: ‘(The) circumstances are being treated as murder/suicide.
‘My poor baby. An evil force took you from me. A sick man, a man I trusted with your life only for him to take it from me in such a horrible way.
‘Oria, I’m so sorry. I’m sorry I couldn’t protect you.
‘My pain will turn into purpose, I promise you. I love you darling. See you in heaven, girl.’
In another post, the desperate mum, who said she had felt “overwhelmed” by loving and supportive messages from friends and family, revealed: “I feel like I’m living in a dream and a nightmare at the same time.”
‘I feel like Oria has been gone for a while, even though I know that’s not the case. I feel shock and disbelief at what happened. Sometimes I feel immense sadness.
‘I feel really numb and very introverted. I feel like entering a ‘cave’ and not interacting with a single soul.
‘I feel everything and nothing at the same time. It’s strange because I also feel other people’s pain for me. ‘
The brave mother, who said she has “big plans” that she must “fulfill” for herself and her deceased daughter, added: “My soul has been fractured and I feel fragile.”
Miss Leader said goodbye to beloved Oria at her funeral on July 20 at Countesthorpe Crematorium, Leicestershire, where she asked mourners to wear “light white clothing” and “strictly no black clothing.”
For confidential support, call Samaritans on 116 123, visit samaritans.org or visit https://www.thecalmzone.net/get-support
