A 20-year-old student was killed yesterday in a motorcycle collision a day before he was to return to school.

Geoffrey Martin Burns was scheduled to leave today for his third year at Toronto's Ryerson University.

His parents Rob and Rexanne Burns yesterday described the Saltus graduate as a "loving and awesome son".

Mr. Burns had spent the past two summers working as a lifeguard for the Parks Department.

The Bermuda Lifeguard Service suspended its duties yesterday so his fellow lifeguards could deal with the loss.

"We really are a close knit family, and his death really affected all of the lifeguards," said a spokesperson. "For the safety of them, and the public, we made the decision to suspend the service for the day, bring everyone together and offer them counselling or information."

His former colleagues are now considering placing a plaque in his memory at Clearwater Beach, where Mr. Burns worked his last day.

Lifeguard Superintendent Nathan Trott said: "He was always a very dependable worker. If he was asked to do something, he would never ask why, he would never complain. He will be missed by the service."

Added another lifeguard: "He was the type of person who nobody could say a bad word about. He would never say a negative thing about anybody. We would spend eight hours a day together at work, and then hang out afterward. He was family."

Police reported yesterday that the Devonshire resident died following an accident on Berry Hill Road in Paget around 6 a.m.

Mr. Burns was riding his motorcycle when he and another cyclist collided near the Botanical Gardens.

He was pronounced dead at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital at 7 a.m. In addition to his parents, Mr. Burns leaves a brother Connor and a sister, Chelsea.

The second motorcyclist was treated at the hospital for non-life threatening injuries.

Lifeguards said Mr. Burns whose nickname was "MJB" spent most of his summer fishing, boating and watching over swimmers. Several said they were with him at a farewell barbecue the night before his death.

"He was really excited about going back to university," said one. "We talked about school every day. He was always trying to convince me to go up there. With everything that's going on in Bermuda today, he was the last person this should have happened to."

Dozens of friends and loved ones posted messages of loss on the student's Facebook page yesterday.

His older brother Connor wrote: "RIP Geoff, you were the best brother I could have ever asked for, and just when you were on top of the world, it all had to end so quick.

"I love you and will always remember you."

Friend Jasmine Patterson wrote: "I'm glad to have seen you with a smile on your face the night before you left us... I know you had no regrets in life. Rest in peace friend."

Family friend Dennis Carter wrote: "Words can't even explain right now. I love you so much Geoff... Big up to the best summer yet."

Mr. Burns' death marks the eighth road fatality this year.

Earl Ingemann and Dareiko Simons died in separate road accidents in January; Carlton Darrell, Andre Hendrickson and Derek Smith died in April.

Omar Sutton died following a collision with a Belco truck in May; the following month Katrina Flood also died in a bike crash.

Opposition leader Kim Swan yesterday expressed condolences to the Burns family.

"My colleagues in the United Bermuda Party and I are deeply saddened to learn that yet another person has lost their life on Bermuda's roads," he said in a press release. "[It's] particularly sad for the family and friends of [a] promising young person, 20-year-old Geoffrey Burns."

The Bermuda Police Service yesterday extended condolences to Mr. Burns' family and friends. Witnesses to the collision are asked to contact PC Derek Simmons on 295-0011.