‘Loveable larrikin’ Jaxon Bunting, 21, dies in crash near Stockport

A young man has been killed in a devastating crash that tore his car apart, just weeks after celebrating his 21st birthday.

Jaxon Bunting, 21, died in a crash near Stockport, in the Mid North, on June 1. Picture: Facebook/Kas Haslam Saunders.

Jaxon Bunting’s beloved blue Ford sedan was his pride and joy – but in a cruel twist, it was also where his young life came to a tragic end just minutes from home.

The 21-year-old died when the vehicle veered off Twin Rivers Rd near Stockport around 8.45pm on June 1, mounted a rise and slammed into a gum tree.

The impact was so violent it split the car in two.

Jaxon was the only person in the vehicle and tragically died at the scene.

Stockport local Phil Cousins, who had just knocked off work and was driving to visit a friend, came across the wreckage right after the crash occurred.

He was the first person on the scene and described the scene as “pure devastation”.

Karen and Chris Saunders, who helped care for Jaxon as a kid, publicly shared heartfelt tributes on social media in the days after the crash – remembering him not just as a larrikin, but as a much-loved son and brother.

Jaxon Bunting with Chris and Karen Saunders, who cared for him as a child and who have both paid tribute to him after his tragic crash near Stockport. Picture: Facebook/Kas Haslam Saunders

“My heart has shattered into a million pieces on hearing the news that Jaxon has tragically passed away in a car accident,” Ms Saunders wrote.

“That car was his pride and joy and he was my pride and joy. What a charismatic, cheeky loveable larrikin he was. We are all heartbroken.

“Thank you for always looking out for your little sisters. You will be deeply missed.”

Mr Saunders reflected on the deep bond they had built since Jaxon first came into their lives.

“Jaxon, you came into our lives as a baby boy and turned us into mum Karen and dad Chris,” he wrote.

“We weren’t sure how long you would be in our lives for but, in a very short time your cheeky personality endeared you to all of our family and friends.

“While we slowly travelled in different directions the times we would catch up were always highlights, especially for the girls. The opportunity to reconnect with you recently has been a wonderful experience for all of us.

“To celebrate your 21st with you will always remain a treasured memory. Now you are gone and we have to continue our journey without you. I will forever be your dad Chris and you will forever be my son. RIP Jaxon.”

Police are investigating the crash and are preparing a report for the Coroner.

Originally published as ‘Loveable larrikin’ Jaxon Bunting, 21, dies in crash near Stockport