Cambridge student dies after being hit by open-top bus full of tourists

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER
Updated: 07:14 EST, 4 May 2011

'A gentle character': Cambridge University student Christopher Bethell, 30, died after being in collision with a tourist bus nears Queen's College

A Cambridge University student has died after he was run over by an open top bus as it drove tourists on a sightseeing trip around the city.

Christopher Bethell was hit by the double-decker Stagecoach bus on Sunday as it drove sightseers past the historic Queens' College.

The 30-year-old sustained serious head injuries in the collision and died after paramedics rushed him to hospital.

Keen traveller Christopher had returned to Cambridge University last year to study planning in developing countries.

His mother, Norma, 67, who lives in Coton, Cambridge, with her husband Ian, 68, today paid tribute to her 'lovely' son.

'Christopher was very conscientious and diligent,' she said. 'He was a gentle character and a truly marvellous son. He loved walking and travelled all over the world.

'He was always planning his next trip and when I went to his room I found a travel guide to Portugal lying open by his bed. He was very independent and a really lovely man.

'This terrible accident is almost too much to bear. He must have been preoccupied at the end of his term and simply stepped out at the wrong time, that's all it takes.

It's so tragic and such a waste and I can't get it out of my mind. The hurt I feel is incredible.'

The accident occurred at 3.15pm on Sunday as the sightseeing bus passed the tourist hotspots of Queens' and Darwin colleges.

Tragedy: Mr Bethell was fatally struck by a double-decker bus as it passed the tourist hotspots of Queen's College

Accident: Christopher Bethell died after he was run over by an open top bus as it drove tourists on a sightseeing trip around Cambridge

Mr Bethell gained a BA in land economy from Cambridge University in 2001 and completed his MSc in planning at Oxford Brookes University in 2009.

He worked for South Cambridgeshire District Council and Oxford City Council before returning to Robinson College at Cambridge University in October for further study.

Outside of study Mr Bethell played five-a-side football and represented Cambridge University at table tennis.

At the time of the accident Christopher, who suffered from the hair loss condition alopecia, was living at home with his parents.

Dr Bill Nolan, who was Christopher's tutor at Robinson College, has offered his condolences to the family.

His father Ian, who suffers from dementia, is a retired environmental planner and Mrs Bethell revealed he is proud that his son followed in his footsteps.

The managing director of Stagecoach Cambridgeshire has confirmed that the incident will be investigated in conjunction with Cambridgeshire Constabulary.

He said: 'We will be working with the police to try and establish how the accident happened.'