An inquest has commenced into the tragic death of a young Celtic fan who lost his life on an English motorway after boarding the wrong bus following a match. John Burns, aged 22, was fatally struck by vehicles on the M6 near Carlisle after attending a Scottish Premiership game between Celtic and Hearts in Glasgow. The incident occurred on Saturday, September 14, near Junction 42 around 8 pm. John, a dad-of-one and student of electrical engineering from Renfrewshire, was formally identified through his fingerprints.
During the inquest at Cockermouth Coroners’ Court, Assistant Coroner Dr. Nicholas Shaw disclosed that John was hit by multiple vehicles while walking on the motorway. The circumstances leading to this tragic event are still under investigation. John, a devoted Celtic FC supporter, was set to celebrate his 23rd birthday shortly after the accident, leaving behind a young son. His family, including his devastated mum Marion Bell and girlfriend Rachael Mowles, expressed their grief through social media posts and appeals for information when John went missing after the match.
Tributes poured in from the football community, with fellow supporters expressing shock and sorrow at the untimely loss. Calls for a minute’s applause at Celtic’s match against Slovan Bratislava in the Champions League in honour of John were made. A fundraising campaign for John’s family amassed nearly £7,000. The Cumbria Police urged witnesses and individuals with dash cam footage of the incident to come forward. The inquest was adjourned on Tuesday morning, with a full hearing scheduled for a later date.
The football world mourns the loss of a passionate fan, emphasizing the importance of safety and support within the football community. The tragic accident serves as a poignant reminder of the risks associated with matchday events and the devastating impact they can have on individuals and their loved ones. The investigation continues to shed light on the circumstances leading to this heartbreaking incident, as John’s memory lives on in the hearts of those who knew him.