Jonathan Debnam: Family of boy, 14, killed in bus collision pay tribute to ‘beautiful and caring soul’
Jonathan Debnam, 14, from Bedford, hoped to work for the Disasters Emergency Committee
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The family of a 14-year-old boy who was killed in a crash on the outskirts of Bedford have paid tribute to him as “a beautiful and caring soul”.
Jonathan Debnam, from Shortstown, died after he was involved in a collision with a bus on the A600 High Road just outside the village on Thursday.
In a statement released by Bedfordshire Police, his family remembered him as a budding chef and animal lover with a particular fondness for his cats.
They said: “We are truly devastated by the tragic loss of our beloved son.
“Jonathan was a funny, kind and intelligent boy who loved his family and friends with all his heart.
“An active member of the army cadets, participating in cadet camps and supporting the other cadets by teaching first aid.
“He had plans to train to work for the Disasters Emergency Committee so he could make a career out of helping others in their time of need.
“A budding chef from an early age and an animal lover who especially loved his cats, with the biggest of hearts.
“Above all else, he had a beautiful and caring soul and will be missed by all his family and friends more than words can express.
“Rest in peace our sweet boy.”
The family have asked for privacy.
Detective Sergeant Craig Wheeler, from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Roads Policing Unit, said: “This is an incredibly sad incident, and our sympathies are with the friends and family of Jonathan.
“We are asking anyone who witnessed the collision or the events leading up to it to get in touch.
“We would be particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have any dashcam footage of the incident or of the immediate area of the A600 in and around Shortstown, during the time leading up to the collision, which was first reported to police at just before 12pm.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact police online or call 101 quoting Operation Dudley or reference 139 of 4 July.