Tributes to boy killed in holiday bus crash

TRIBUTES were paid yesterday to a teenage boy killed in a minibus crash during a safari holiday in South Africa.

Marcus Egerton-Warburton, 14, died along with three others when the vehicle they were travelling in overturned.

His mother and brother were injured in the crash on Wednesday.

They are understood to be part of the extended family of actress Helena Bonham Carter.

Eton schoolboy Marcus was a keen sailor who belonged to Bembridge Sailing Club on the Isle of Wight.

His father, Charlie, head of UK and Ireland private banking at Credit Suisse, is a prominent member of the club and was previously club captain.

Secretary Mike Samuelson said the club was devastated by the news.

"He was a delightful boy," he said. "It's tragic. Marcus had spent two to three weeks here with his father before he went on holiday. He was a keen sailor."

The club announced the boy's death on its website.

It stated: "It is with the very greatest sadness that I have to inform you that Marcus Egerton-Warburton tragically died in a road accident in South Africa at around 4pm on Wednesday 20th August."

Samuelson said Marcus's father flew to South Africa on hearing the news, adding that Marcus and his brother Piers were "his love and life".

Friends of the schoolboy have set up an online memorial on Facebook. One stated: "Can't put into words how much I will miss you. You are an amazing person you will never be forgotten. RIP Marci xxx."

Two of the other victims were named by sources as Marcus's grandmother Brenda Bonham Carter, 74 and step-grandfather Francis Kirkwood, 75.

A spokeswoman for the Foreign Office said: "We can confirm the deaths of four British nationals in a road traffic accident on August 20.

"We are seeking clarification from the South African authorities."

Marcus's mother Fiona Bonham Carter is believed to have sustained a broken collar bone while his brother Piers received whiplash.

They were transported to Johannesburg hospital for treatment after the crash.