Grieving dad seeks answers after Celtic fan’s tragic death on M6

John Burns was struck as a pedestrian by possibly multiple vehicles on September 14 on the M6 motorway, at the area of junction 42, at around 8pm. [1] It was reported that the 22-year-old father-of-one died after getting off a supporters bus heading down to England following Celtic's fixture against Hearts earlier that day, miles from his home in Renfrewshire. "I don't understand how and why he got on that bus and never came home again," his dad, James Burns, said.

"I feel like I'm turning into an investigator myself because no one is telling me what happened that day or has done for five months - I'm still waiting for the police to come to my door and tell me my son has passed," he said. Cumbria Police, however, stated that officers have remained in contact with Mr. Burns' family since the incident to keep them updated.

James Burns alongside his son John (Image: JBurns) James, who also lost his partner to breast cancer three years ago, said the past months have been a "living nightmare". Since his son's passing, James has tried to contact those who may have been on the bus that day but has heard nothing.

"I'm not trying to blame anybody, I just want to find out. It's breaking my heart," he said. After James died, glowing tributes were held for the father-of-one, including a minute's applause against the Hoops'[2] Champions League game against Slovan Bratislava on September 18.

A fundraiser set up in John's name has also brought in over GBP7,000 to help with funeral costs. An inquest into John's death was formally opened at Cockermouth Coroners' Court in October.[3] Assistant coroner for Cumbria, Dr Nicholas Shaw, said: "The brief circumstances are that he was struck by probably a number of vehicles whilst a pedestrian on the motorway.

"It's not yet known how this came to be but there will obviously be a full accident investigation," said the coroner. "When that's complete we will resume the inquest and full details will enter the public domain." A full inquest will probe exactly how the young Scottish football fan tragically died after watching his team play.

A spokesperson from Cumbria Police said: "As part of their response to this tragic incident, officers have kept in touch with members of Mr Burns' family since it occurred to ensure they are updated.

"Officers will also update any family members who have yet to be spoken to and wish to be updated as enquiries progress."

References

1. ^ at the area of junction 42, at around 8pm. (www.newsandstar.co.uk)
2. ^ minute's applause against the Hoops' (www.newsandstar.co.uk)
3. ^ Cockermouth Coroners' Court in October. (www.newsandstar.co.uk)