The First Dates Hotel star’s two-year-old daughter was probably already dead when the girl’s father drove into an oncoming truck in the Father’s Day ‘murder-suicide’, the inquest has heard

The daughter of a woman who appeared on Channel 4’s First Dates Hotel was already dead when her father drove into a lorry 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 he veered off a carriageway and into the path of an oncoming lorry.

Police initially treated the tragedy, which took place on Father’s Day last year, as a head-on collision, but later launched a homicide investigation after ‘careful consideration’.

Oria’s mother Rachael Leader, who works at global soft drinks goliath PepsiCo and appeared on Channel 4’s dating show spin-off First Dates Hotel in 2020, was estranged from her ex-partner.

An inquest held at Grimsby Town Hall on Wednesday heard it was likely that Oria, who only saw her father at the weekend, was not alive at the time of the collision, although it has not been established exactly how she died.

A note from Ashley’s computer, which was located at his home address, made clear his purpose and intent to end both his life and his daughter’s on Father’s Day.

Oria’s mother Rachael pictured with Ashley and Oria before the tragedy unfolded last year

Oria’s mother Rachael Leader appeared on Channel 4’s dating show spin-off First Dates Hotel in 2020

Oria was last seen alive at 10.48am on 18 June 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 her death was likely the result of an illegal act that was carried out at some point before the traffic collision.

Ashley had a limited medical history, but this included periods of anxiety and depression, and he did not take well to the break-up of their relationship.

There was no evidence of any braking by the car before the impact, the inquest heard.

Mum-of-one Rachael released a touching tribute to her two-year-old daughter following the tragic incident.

She said: ‘To my dear daughter, Oria. I love you so much. I am so sorry that your precious life was taken from you. You gave me so much light baby, so much love and so much happiness.

‘I will cherish every moment we had together. You had the most beautiful smile and gorgeous curly hair.

‘You touched many hearts, Oria, and I am so incredibly proud to be your mother. I miss you so much.

“Although the pain of losing you is indescribable, I will make it a 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 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 on June 18, 2023, just hours before she and her father were pronounced dead

Mother Rachael and Oria Henry pictured together before the young girl’s death

Miss Leader later shared her heartbreak on social media after police revealed they were investigating the double deaths as a murder-suicide.

The devastated mum, from Broughton Astley, Leicestershire, posted a police update confirming the investigation was now a homicide inquiry, 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. You were taken from me by an evil force. A sick man, a man that I trusted with your life only to have it taken away from him in such a horrible way.

“Oria, I’m so sorry. I’m sorry I couldn’t protect you.

‘My pain will be turned into purpose, I promise you. I love you, baby. See you in heaven, little girl.’

In another post, the desperate mum, who said she had been ‘overwhelmed’ by supportive and loving messages from friends and family, revealed: ‘I feel like I’m living a dream and a nightmare all at once.

‘I feel like Oria has gone away for a while, even though I know she isn’t. I feel shock and disbelief at what has happened. I feel a great sadness sometimes.

‘I feel really numb and very introverted. I feel like going into 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 sadness, for me. ‘

The brave mother, who said she has ‘big plans’ to ‘fulfill’ for herself and her late daughter, added: ‘My soul is broken and I feel fragile.’

Miss Leader said a final farewell to beloved Oria at her funeral on July 20 at Countesthorpe Crematorium, Leicestershire, asking mourners to wear ‘white, light clothes’ and ‘strictly no black clothes’.

For confidential support call Samaritans on 116 123, visit samaritans.org or visit https://www.thecalmzone.net/get-support