Boy, 14, killed after being hit by bus in horror crash as family pay tribute to ‘budding chef’

A 14-year-old boy was killed after being hit by a bus in a horror crash with his family now paying tribute to the budding chef.

Jonathan Debnam was tragically killed near Shortstown, Bedfordshire, shortly before midday on Thursday after being struck by the vehicle.

Road closures were in place for A600 High Road between Cotton End and Shortstown.

Jonathan’s family have now paid tribute in a statement: “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.”

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 12.00pm.”

A police spokesperson earlier said: “Emergency services attended, however the pedestrian, a teenage boy, was pronounced dead at the scene.

“His next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.”

They have asked for anyone with dashcam footage to come forward.