The dad of a young Celtic fan killed on a motorway after he boarded the wrong bus home has vowed to uncover the truth about his son’s death.
John Burns was struck by several vehicles on the M6 in north Cumbria at around 8pm on Saturday September 14, 2024.
The 22-year-old dad, from East Renfrewshire, had been watching Celtic play Hearts at Parkhead earlier that day, and it is understood he boarded the wrong bus following the game.
He got off in Carlisle and was seen walking on the M6 motorway – where he was hit by several cars – and killed.
James was given the devastating news by the mother of John’s girlfriend, Rachel, with whom he has a three-year-old boy, Reggie.
STV NewsHe told STV News: “He was an absolute diamond of a boy. You wait 22 years to get to know him and then he’s just taken away.
“If he didn’t get on this bus, he’d still be alive. It should never have happened.
“From day one to now, I’m lost, and I don’t know what’s happening.”
James says he the last year has “destroyed” him and left him desperate for answers ahead of the inquest.
“I’ve been counting down every hour. I want to know how he got to Carlisle, how he got dropped off a bus, left on his own, in a strange place while intoxicated, and walked to his death on a motorway.”
STV NewsJames, John’s younger half-brother, says his death was “another blow” – three years after losing his own mum, Tracey, to breast cancer.
“He acted like another father figure to me,” he said.
“Even though we don’t have the same mum, it felt like he did because he was always here for me. I’ll always remember that.”
James, 14, recalled trying to reach John when he didn’t come home in the hours before his death.
“I knew he was missing. That night, I was sending messages, ‘Where are you?’ and I didn’t know it was too late.
“I sent one message and he said, ‘Help’, or something like that. That’s the last time I ever spoke to him.”
A year on, he is struggling to come to terms with John’s death.
“I’m living the same day, every day. I get up and get on with it.
“I’ve got a niece and nephews to look after, and sisters. I need to make sure they’ll be alright.
“But it’s broken me.”
An inquest into the incident will be held at Cumbria Coroner’s Court on Thursday.
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