Tributes to teenage boy killed in crash after police chase near M4
Relatives of a 17-year-old boy who died in a crash on the junction of two busy West Country roads said he has been “taken far too soon”. Jamie Donnelly died after the Vauxhall Astra he was travelling in crashed into the roundabout the M4 junction of the A419 in Swindon on Tuesday (January 2). Wiltshire Police said earlier this week the car was being pursued by officers at the time and the incident has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct for further investigation. Three people – a man in his 20s and two women in their 20s – were arrested over the crash have been since been released either on bail or under investigation[1].
Speaking about Jamie, his family said he will be sorely missed by all who knew him. They added he knew how to light up a room with his personality.
A statement from the family released by police on their behalf said: “Our precious Jamie has been taken from us far too soon.
He was a cheeky chappy, a very talented football player and an all-round sports man. Jamie loved his Xbox and was quite competitive. “He had such an infectious laugh and knew how to light up a room.
He had the best sense of humour and had anyone who met him in fits of laughter. “Jamie was also one of the kindest, sweetest boys. He was very popular and never forgot anyone he met and vice versa – he left a lasting impression on anyone who met him.
“Jamie was adventurous and loved his family holidays, kayaking, caving, go karting and the occasional water parks. Our family dog Buddy will miss Jamie playing with him and giving him all his attention. Jamie will be sorely missed by all of his family and close friends.”
During the emotional tribute, Jamie’s family also spoke about a GoFundMe page that has been set up in his memory to help pay for funeral costs. They also asked people to stop “speculating” about what happened leading up to the crash which killed the teenager.
Jamie Donnelly, 17, died when the Vauxhall Astra he was in crashed into a roundabout (Image: Wiltshire Police)
“We are aware of the GoFundMe page which has been set up on behalf of the family,” they said. “We would like to clarify this has not been set up by our family or any of our close friends. “We appreciate that many of our friends have contributed to the page and we really appreciate your generosity.
We do not need the money for the funeral and we hope that the money can be used for something positive in the future. “We would urge as a family that any future donations be stopped whilst we consider the most suitable charity we would like to donate to. Further information on this will be communicated.
“We would like to publicly appeal for any speculation about the collision and ongoing investigation to stop with immediate effect. We are trying to grieve as a family and unwanted comments on social media are having a negative impact on all of us. “We are aware that a lot of Jamie’s friends will want to pay their respects and we are happy for you to attend the funeral when we have the date confirmed.
However, we will be holding a small intimate private wake for family and very close friends. We would appreciate that unless you are invited by Jamie’s parents you do not attend the wake. “We would like to thank Jamie’s friends who have set up a vigil on the bench at St Andrews Ridge.
We have been to see it and we appreciate the flowers, cards and balloons.
“We respectfully ask for time and space from everyone so we can grieve as a family at the most difficult time of our lives.” A police spokesperson added formal identification has “yet to conclude”.
References
- ^ Three people – a man in his 20s and two women in their 20s – were arrested over the crash have been since been released either on bail or under investigation (www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk)
- ^ Kate Garraway announces husband Derek Draper has died (www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk)
- ^ Starsky & Hutch actor David Soul has died, his wife has said (www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk)