A young Celtic fan has been tragically killed in a motorway horror crash after he boarded the wrong bus following the Hoops' clash with Hearts. It's understood that John Burns was the pedestrian that was hit on the M6 near Carlisle in a fatal collision on Saturday evening, September 14. He was reportedly dropped off in the town after boarding the wrong bus.
John's mum Marion Bell commented: "My baby boy", while his girlfriend Rachael Mowles simply shared a photo of the young dad holding his baby son in a Celtic strip, captioned with broken heart emoji's.
The Celtic Fan Group has called for a minute's applause for the team's upcoming match against Slovan Bratislava at Celtic Park tomorrow night in honour of John. The group wrote on X the photo of John and his baby son on Monday evening: It said: "This is John. He recently lost his life aged just 22. No age at all. He was at the Celtic game on Saturday.
"No one should ever go to a game and not come home, NO ONE. We ask that you please join in the minutes applause on the 23rd minute on Wednesday night. Rest easy John."
Tributes have poured in from the Celtic and wider football community. It's understood that John was about to turn 23, reported the Daily Record.
Kerri Anne Millar said: "Nobody should go to a football match and not return home.. Rest easy, John." Christina Griffiths commented: "He was such a brilliant boy, with so much ahead of him. This is so unfair." There were many similar comments from people who knew John with Kieran Millington said: "I loved John. He will always be my boy. I am heartbroken," Bradley Wilkie commented: "Rest easy John, mate. He was such a good guy. Gone too soon." And Michael Trew added: "Rest in peace John. You were a top man and always a good laugh."
Mum Marion and girlfriend Rachael both posted desperate appeals on Sunday afternoon revealing John had not returned home following Saturday's game Scottish Premiership game at Celtic Park. His family believed he was last seen getting off a bus near Carlisle on the M6 but his phone was switched off and he had no money. They said they were "worried sick" and it was "out of character" for him not to be in contact.
Police in Cumbria said the fatal incident on the M6 happened near junction 42 at around 8.05pm on September 14, and required the motorway to be closed in both directions for around 12 hours. Police, paramedics and highways officers rushed to the scene
In their most recent update on Monday, police requested anyone who was travelling along the M6, or had been travelling near to junction 42 on the A6, around the time of the incident who may have witnessed something or may have dashcam footage to contact them.
Fundraiser Set Up for John's Family
A fundraiser has been set up in the last few hours for John's family. The GoFundMe page reads: "I’m hoping you all can give something to help take some unneeded pressure of finances of Johns family it’s the last thing they need when dealing with such a sudden loss.
"John was loved by all his family and friends , he was just about to turn 23 years old and sadly god took him too soon. He has a gorgeous wee boy and partner and really was adored for just being wee John. Please let’s take some pressure off his mum. L et’s give him the send off he deserves."
Police Appeal for Witnesses
Anyone with information relating to this incident can report online at www.cumbria.police.uk/report-it, quoting incident number 238 of 14 September 2024. You can also phone on 101. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
A Young Life Cut Short
The tragic death of John Burns is a stark reminder of the dangers of our roads and the importance of being careful when travelling. It's also a testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit, as evidenced by the outpouring of love and support for John's family and friends.
John's life may have been cut short, but his memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved him. May he rest in peace.
