Celtic fan died on M6 near Carlisle after 'boarding wrong bus'

A pedestrian who died after a collision on the M6 has been named by police as a young dad from Glasgow.

John Burns was killed after a road traffic collision on the motorway at junction 42 near Carlisle around 8.05pm on Saturday, September 14 .

It is understood that the 22-year-old had boarded the wrong bus following Celtic’s game with Hearts in Glasgow on Saturday.

Tributes have been paid to John on social media with a GoFundMe page raising over £4,000 for his family.

Several Celtic fan pages have called on supporters to hold a minute’s applause during their game against Slovan Bratislava in the Champions League on Wednesday.

John was due to turn 23 on the day of the game at Celtic Park.

The Parkhead Faithful posted: “John Burns would have been 23 on Wednesday, the same day his beloved club play in Europe.

“Could we ask for everyone to join in and participate in a minutes applause on the 23rd minute.

“We have seen multiple fans and pages asking for this and it would be the least we could do as a Celtic family at this terrible time. Rest Easy John.”

A post on the GoFundMe page read: “I’m hoping you all can give something to help take some unneeded pressure of finances of John’s 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. John will leave a footprint in our hearts forever let’s give him the send off he deserves.”

A Cumbria Police statement read: “Police can confirm that the pedestrian involved in a fatal road traffic collision on the September 14 on the M6 motorway at junction 42 near Carlisle has been named as John Burns, aged 22, from Glasgow.

“Officers are continuing to appeal for information requesting anyone who witnessed a pedestrian or has dashcam and were travelling in the area of junction 42 either on the roundabout/bridges or travelling on the M6 Northbound and Southbound between 7:50pm and 8:10pm on September 14 to contact police so an officer can review any footage.

“Anyone with information relating to this incident can report online at www.cumbria.police.uk/report-it, quoting incident number 238 of September 14 2024. You can also phone on 101.

“Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.“