17 October 2023 , 14:44
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A First Dates Hotel star has opened up on her 'immense sadness' and pain she has felt after losing her 'beautiful' daughter, two, who was killed by her father in a suspected murder-suicide earlier this year.
Rachael Leader, who previously appeared on the popular reality TV show, has revealed there is 'no escape' from the crippling pain of losing her beloved two-year-old daughter, Oria Henry, and she is left living in agony after the toddler's dad drove into the path of a lorry after splitting from Rachael.
Rachael's former partner also died in the horror crash, but the devastated mum has been left with nothing but anger and sadness since losing her little girl. "I don't understand how one could take their own child's life out of spite. And have planned it, weeks before. It's psychotic."
Rachael Leader previously appeared on the popular reality TV show (Instagram/missrachaelleader)
The toddler passed away in the tragic crash (Instagram/missrachaelleader)The tragedy occurred after Rachael's former partner invited her and their daughter on a celebratory Father's Day outing, but after she turned down her ex Ashley Henry's offer, Rachael believes that he became furious and took it out on their toddler. Rachael's daughter Oria was allegedly murdered by her ex-boyfriend in the horror crash while they were on their way home from a weekend at the seaside to celebrate Father's Day. "I was invited on that trip but I declined because I already had plans. Imagine if I'd have gone. I don't think I'd be here to tell the tale," Rachael told her friends in a devastating Facebook post.
The mum, who appeared on the dating show in 2020, said of her grief battle: "I feel like going into a 'cave' and not interacting with a single soul. There's no escaping any of it. From seeing other two-year-olds, to passing her bedroom door every day, to seeing her toys in the same place at home. There's no escape. I wish I had more time with her. I really do. It's so cruel what's happened. And I feel a lot of anger. Anger is normal, it's just when it turns into resentment and bitterness that it weighs you down."
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"To my darling daughter, Oria. I love you so much. I’m so sorry your precious life was taken from you. 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," she wrote in another post.
"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."
First Dates Hotel star Rachael Leader (Channel 4)Oria, two, died when her dad drove into the path of a lorry on June 18 following the breakdown of his relationship with her mum Rachael. The tragedy occurred in Anwick, Lincolnshire and it was initially treated as an accidental collision.
However, after two days, after 'careful consideration' police launched a murder investigation into the toddler's death and said they were not looking for anybody else. Locals claim the dad drove 'straight towards' the lorry on the wrong side of the road.
The father and daughter were travelling along Main Road in a Blue Nissan Quashqai when the incident took place at around 2.45pm on Sunday, June 18. Both were pronounced dead at the scene.
An inquest held in Lincolnshire Coroner's Court on Monday morning, July 10, heard that the precise cause of Oria's death had not yet been determined. A hearing held an hour later heard that the medical cause of death of Mr Henry, who was 35, was also yet to be determined.
Both inquests were adjourned until Monday, December 18, this year. The murder investigation is ongoing, and Senior Coroner Paul Smith has adjourned the inquests until a criminal case into the collision concludes.