Tributes to tragic ‘true gentleman’ in bus crash

Luke Coles, from Scarborough, was being treated in hospital following the crash during Monday morning rush hour but died of his injuries on Thursday.

Mr Coles, of Princess Street, Scarborough, was driving his Fiat Punto in Old Dalkeith Road, north of its junction with Newton Church Road, when the crash happened. It is understood no
one on the bus was injured.

The York College-trained electrician, who worked as a freelance rigger and dimmer technician at theatres around the UK including the Scarborough Open Air Theatre, was described as a “gentleman” yesterday.

Phil Laycock, director of P&L Sound and Lighting, in Falsgrave, told reporters: “We worked together all last season at the Open Air Theatre doing all the major shows.

“He loved working in theatre – he lived and breathed it. He just absolutely loved going to the shows and being a part of everything.

“He was just a really all-round nice, genuine guy. He was a true gentleman and would help anybody. He was popular, good fun and had a great sense of humour. He was a colleague and a great friend and we worked and played together and had good times.

“It’s such a shock. He will be very sadly missed.”

Friends, co-workers and family have posted dozens of tributes on the former Graham School pupil’s Facebook page.

Theatre production manager Phil McAndish, of open other end, wrote: “The world has lost one of its good guys and our industry has lost a gem. I am lost for words all I do know is that you will be sadly missed by many.”

A spokesman for Lothian and Borders Police said: “Anyone who may have been in the area at the time and saw what happened should contact us on 101.”