Extremely sad news has just reached us.
David Cameron's son, Ivan, died earlier today.
The BBC has more.
Needless to say, we send our deepest condolences to David, Samantha and the Cameron family.
Jonathan Isaby
11.45am:
The death of a child is a terrible, terrible thing. Extra terrible to have to cope with such an enormity when in the public eye. There are probably no words of comfort that can help the Camerons today but we offer them our thoughts and prayers. Janet Daley has posted a beautiful poem.
We are all shaped by our experiences. Close friends of David Cameron all say that Ivan was a huge influence on him. It put his politics in perspective but it also contributed to his respect for the NHS and to his support for policies that help keep families together and strong.
The Conservative leader loved his son enormously. His family life was built around his care. All those close to the Camerons, and all those who visited his home, witnessed the huge demands involved in the care of such a severely disabled child. The amount of time that Cameron spent away from the office sometimes worried political advisors but every mother and father would understand why Cameron chose to devote so much time to his precious son and to support Samantha.
Politics will soon resume but Gordon Brown - who lost his own baby daughter - issued this statement:
"Sarah and I were very saddened to hear of the death of Ivan and we have sent our condolences to David and Samantha. The death of a child is a loss no parent should have to bear. I know Ivan was a child who brought joy to all those who knew him and his was a life surrounded by love. The thoughts and prayers of the whole country are with David, Samantha and their family."
Tim Montgomerie
Very sad news. Deepest sympathy to the Cameron family.
Posted by: Ted | February 25, 2009 at 09:37
Extremely sad news.
May Ivan Cameron Rest In Peace.
My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this difficult time.
James Malcolm
Posted by: James M | February 25, 2009 at 09:39
A tragic event, as a father I can't imagine how the Cameron family is feeling today. Our politics may differ but my thoughts are with you all today.
Posted by: Neil Fraser | February 25, 2009 at 09:40
Very sad news. I trust we wont see him at PMQs today.
Posted by: H Taylor | February 25, 2009 at 09:40
This is very sad.
I’m sure that everyone here will have the deepest sympathy for the grieving parents who were so obviously dedicated to their son.
Posted by: David_at_Home | February 25, 2009 at 09:41
My heartfelt sympathies go out to all the family.
Posted by: Richard | February 25, 2009 at 09:41
Very sad news indeed. Condolences to the Cameron family.
RIP Ivan
Posted by: Pauline Buffham~ now in Bangkok | February 25, 2009 at 09:42
I would just like to say what very sad news, and I would also like to send my heartfelt condolences to Samantha and David Cameron and their family.
Posted by: Patsy Sergeant | February 25, 2009 at 09:42
Terribly sad news. I can only imagine what they're going through. My thoughts and prayers are with them.
Ed
Posted by: Ed West | February 25, 2009 at 09:43
I can't think of anything worse than to outlive one of your own children. Mr. Cameron and his family have my deepest sympathies.
Posted by: Walter West | February 25, 2009 at 09:43
How awful. Condolences from my family.
Posted by: Paul Jemetta | February 25, 2009 at 09:43
Terrible tragedy. All our thoughts are with him & that.
Posted by: asquith | February 25, 2009 at 09:43
My thoughts also go out to David Cameron and his family x
Posted by: Omar Kader | February 25, 2009 at 09:43
Deepest commiserations to the Cameron family.
Posted by: John Broughton | February 25, 2009 at 09:45
I am in shock. I feel very much for the Camerons and, like others, my thoughts and prayers are with them at this very sad time.
May God givem the the strength that they will so need and look after little Ivan. RIP.
Posted by: Justin Hinchcliffe | February 25, 2009 at 09:45
So so sad. Thoughts are with the Cameron's.
Posted by: Andrew Woodman | February 25, 2009 at 09:46
This is deeply sad news. As someone who lost a child in 1992, the pain never goes away and I can relate to the deep sorrow David and Samantha must be feeling. My thoughts and prayers are with them.
Posted by: Parvez | February 25, 2009 at 09:47
How dreadfully sad. Deepest sympathies and best wishes to the Cameron family.
Posted by: London Tory | February 25, 2009 at 09:48
Very, very sorry David and Family. I shall say a prayer for you at mass this morning.
Your relationship with Ivan was a testament to the value of human life and the urgent responsibility of Conservatives to defend and protect all people, regardless of age or disability, to dignify all of humanity.
Posted by: Hugh Oxford | February 25, 2009 at 09:48
Very sad news. A terrible blow to the family.
Posted by: Edward Huxley | February 25, 2009 at 09:49
This is very sad news.
My deepest condolences to the entire Cameron family.
May God rest Ivan's soul in peace, and may He give the David and Samantha the strength to handle their loss.
Posted by: Rula | February 25, 2009 at 09:49
Sincerest condolences to every one of the family.
Posted by: Ben Locker | February 25, 2009 at 09:50
What horrible, horrible news. The office has just gone very quiet after this broke on the BBC.
Posted by: Rightwingery | February 25, 2009 at 09:51
A blow that no one can imagine, truly my heart goes out to the Cameron family at this difficult time.
Posted by: Scott | February 25, 2009 at 09:51
Gut wrenching. Words are inadequate. RIP.
Posted by: Peter Botting | February 25, 2009 at 09:52
such desperately sad news. Have just read Cameron on Cameron, and the dedication and love which has been poured into Ivan's all-too-short life just shines out of those pages.
Posted by: Jane Gould | February 25, 2009 at 09:53
I am so Sorry David. We shall be thinking of you and your family.
Posted by: Alex Perkins | February 25, 2009 at 09:53
Such sad news. Sincere condolences to all the Cameron family.
Posted by: The Rifle | February 25, 2009 at 09:53
Very saddened. Condolences to the family.
Posted by: Peter Law | February 25, 2009 at 09:53
May he Rest in Peace.
My prayers and deepest sympathies to the Cameron family.
Posted by: Pat Guide | February 25, 2009 at 09:54
Heartbreaking news, deep condolences!.
Posted by: steve | February 25, 2009 at 09:54
Very sad news. The worst thing for a parent is to see their child die. I have had the same experience die and emotionally its crippling. My thoughts are with David's family.
Posted by: Adam | February 25, 2009 at 09:55
A horrible day. RIP.
Posted by: Tim Roll-Pickering | February 25, 2009 at 09:55
As someone whos baby daughter died almost a year ago, I'm very sad that David and his family have to experience this. My condolences.
Posted by: Paul | February 25, 2009 at 09:57
I'm not a Tory, being disabled and helping out with disabled children, it's sad to hear of any death of a child.
a sad day.
Posted by: Robert | February 25, 2009 at 09:58
God Bless.
Posted by: michael mcgough | February 25, 2009 at 09:58
Deepest condolences.
Posted by: snegchui | February 25, 2009 at 09:58
Sad News my condolances to the family
Posted by: bexie | February 25, 2009 at 09:59
I echo everything that has been said on this thread already. I felt incredibly sad to just read this, and my heartfelt sympathies are with David, Samantha and the whole family.
Posted by: James Hopkins | February 25, 2009 at 09:59
What terrible news; I send my heartfelt sympathy to the Cameron family on the loss of little Ivan.
Posted by: Susan | February 25, 2009 at 09:59
Oh that is terrible news.
Posted by: GB£.com | February 25, 2009 at 10:00
My thoughts and prayers are with Mr Cameron and his family. It's hard to know what else to say. Such sad news.
Posted by: Simon Beresford | February 25, 2009 at 10:01
Very distressing News. My thoughts and prayers are very much with
Posted by: Dan Boucher | February 25, 2009 at 10:04
Dreadful news, my deepest condolences.
Posted by: YMT | February 25, 2009 at 10:05
Awful News, My thoughts go out to the Cameron's.
Posted by: Alex Simpson | February 25, 2009 at 10:06
My thouhts and prayers are with Samantha and David in their terrible loss. Rest in peace Ivan you will always be remembered as a lovely human being.
Posted by: Gwendo | February 25, 2009 at 10:06
My wife and I write to express our deepest sympathy to David and Samantha Cameron who have shown such love for Ivan during his short life.
Posted by: David Belchamber | February 25, 2009 at 10:06
Very sad news. My sincere condolences to the family.
Posted by: Angelo Basu | February 25, 2009 at 10:07
Terribly sad news. The ultimate heartbreak for a parent. God bless them all.
Posted by: Michael McGowan | February 25, 2009 at 10:08
So terribly sorry - my heart goes out to the family!
Posted by: Sally Roberts | February 25, 2009 at 10:08
This is awful news. I hope that the family can feel the thoughts and prayers that everyone who hears of this will be sending to them. All of our thoughts are with them at this sad time.
Posted by: Steven | February 25, 2009 at 10:09
This is such terribly sad news.
My sympathies and prayers go to David and his family.
Posted by: Horace Wimp | February 25, 2009 at 10:12
What everyone else has said.
Deepest condolences to David and the family.
Posted by: Neil Reddin | February 25, 2009 at 10:12
Very sad news. My condolences to Mr Cameron and his family.
Posted by: Julian Ware-Lane | February 25, 2009 at 10:12
Ivan had six years of love from his family.
Our thoughts are with the Cameron family at this time.
Posted by: Peter Golds | February 25, 2009 at 10:14
Tragic news. My thoughts are with the whole Cameron family at this time.
Posted by: David | February 25, 2009 at 10:15
This is deeply tragic. May God bless Ivan `s soul.
May he rest in peace.
Posted by: Fredrik Ingemarsson | February 25, 2009 at 10:15
This is very sad news, my thoughts are with the Cameron family.
Posted by: Will Yoxall | February 25, 2009 at 10:17
Terrible, terrible news. Requiescat in pace.
Posted by: Anthony Lenaghan | February 25, 2009 at 10:17
Deepest condolences at this time of great sorrow.
Posted by: John Leonard | February 25, 2009 at 10:21
Sad news indeed. poor kid, but he was well looked after and loved.
is it true that Nick "Toenails" Robinson said on the BBC that Cameron can't expect any electoral advantage from this tragic event "as Gordon Brown has already lost a child of his own".
disgusting
Posted by: Toby | February 25, 2009 at 10:21
God bless the child and God bless his memory.
It sounds trite but I'm sure the whole political world and the public share the sense of empathy with the family.
Hopefully this will be a time for quiet grief and the guady tabloids will lay off it and give the family peace for a short while.
Posted by: Jim Dodd | February 25, 2009 at 10:21
Prayers and thoughts with the Camerons today, God bless
Posted by: Michael S Hearn | February 25, 2009 at 10:22
My deepest sympathies and condolences to the Cameron family.
As one family to another, you will be in our prayers at this sorrowful time.
Posted by: Mike Thomas | February 25, 2009 at 10:23
My condolences to the Cameron family - terribly sad news.
Posted by: John D | February 25, 2009 at 10:27
Like all the other parents out there, I am deeply saddened by this news. It shouldn't have to happen to anyone.
Posted by: Serf | February 25, 2009 at 10:27
My wife and I send our deepest sympathies to Mr And Mrs. Cameron. So shocked to hear such tragic news.
Posted by: Robert and Margaret Trench | February 25, 2009 at 10:27
Apparently that odious Nick Robinson on the BBC said that Cameron should expect no electoral advantage from this.
If anyone deserves to be sacked from the BBC- surely Robinson should be for this.
Posted by: expatconservative | February 25, 2009 at 10:29
Deep sadness.
My thoughts are with you.
Posted by: Bill | February 25, 2009 at 10:29
I have just got in from a meeting and am deeply shocked to hear this terribly sad news. My thoughts and prayers too are with him and his family.
Posted by: Julia Manning | February 25, 2009 at 10:30
I'm sure that everybody, regardless of their politics, will wish to send their sincerest sympathies to David and Samantha.
Our thoughts prayers are with them at this extremely difficult time for their family.
Posted by: Mike Wood | February 25, 2009 at 10:30
very sad news our thoughts and condolences to the family at this tragic time
Posted by: sue lewis | February 25, 2009 at 10:30
I'm seldom emotionally affected by news stories but this has shaken me. Very sad indeed.
Posted by: Mr Eugenides | February 25, 2009 at 10:30
Mr Cameron, I am disturbed and saddened by the untimely death of your son Ivan.
I have always known you as a strong and calm character and I know at this moment of loss those qualities will be of immense help to both you and Samantha.
Please accept my deepest and heartfelt condolence at this most challenging time.
May God give you strength.
Posted by: Ksang | February 25, 2009 at 10:32
Totally agree with Toby. For Nick Robinson to make a comment on Electoral advantage for David Cameron on the very day of his son's death beggars belief and is indeed disgusting. He is already 20 points in the polls ahead and does not need cynical comments such as this.
Posted by: Richard Van Ness | February 25, 2009 at 10:33
"Who called us out of darkness into His marvellous light"(1st Peter 2:9).
Ivan rests in peace.God bless you David,Samantha and children. Amen
Posted by: James MacK | February 25, 2009 at 10:34
A tragedy. My deepest, deepest sympathies.
Posted by: Jon Gale | February 25, 2009 at 10:34
So sorry to hear this :(
Posted by: meli | February 25, 2009 at 10:34
Toby. When something like this happens politics is put in perspective.All of it at the end of the day means little up against the life of a child. Both of the Cameroon are obviously devoted to all there children and our thoughts must go out to them at this terrible time.Nothing that we can face in life can be worse than losing a child.
Posted by: Jack Stone | February 25, 2009 at 10:35
P.S. Nick Robinson should be SACKED immediately. I am disgusted and find such a statement completely offensive.
Posted by: meli | February 25, 2009 at 10:37
God bless them. It is terrible to lose a child even if expected with such an affliction. I watch my neighbour care for his own son conscious that he will outlive him. Sad news and I hope the other children are strengthened through example.
Posted by: TomTom | February 25, 2009 at 10:38
Nothing I could possibly say would adequately represent my feelings of sorrow.
Posted by: Tony the Tory | February 25, 2009 at 10:39
So sorry to hear such sad news. My heartfelt sympathies go to David, Samantha, Nancy and Arthur. God bless
Posted by: Benita | February 25, 2009 at 10:40
What a terrible tragedy for the whole Cameron family, which must be distraught. I only hope the family can draw some small comfort from knowing that the hearts, thoughts and prayers of all Conservative Party members, and doubtless millions of other members of the public across the country, are with them.
Posted by: David Bean | February 25, 2009 at 10:40
God bless them. It is terrible to lose a child even if expected with such an affliction. I watch my neighbour care for his own son conscious that he will outlive him. Sad news and I hope the other children are strengthened through example.
Posted by: TomTom | February 25, 2009 at 10:41
It is very sad and my thoughts are with the Camerons. RIP Ivan.
Posted by: Yogi | February 25, 2009 at 10:43
Deepest sympathy to the Cameron family in this terrible time.
Posted by: Duncan Flynn | February 25, 2009 at 10:46
Deepest sympathy and thoughts and prayers to the whole family not just for now but in the coming months when the shock begins to wear off and the reality hits home.
Posted by: Dorothy Wilson | February 25, 2009 at 10:53
Sad,sad news.
Posted by: jon dee | February 25, 2009 at 10:53
Very sad news, deepest sympathy to David, Samantha and all who loved Ivan.
Posted by: a-tracy | February 25, 2009 at 10:54
A very very sad day our thoughts are with david samantha and family, sleep tight Ivan xx
Posted by: lynne kay | February 25, 2009 at 10:57
A painful loss for you and our heart felt sorrow. Rest in peace little one, your gentle example to the world was a beacon.
the People of Scotland.
Posted by: Juan Kerr | February 25, 2009 at 11:00
My deepest sympathy to David, Samantha and their family at this very sad time.
God Bless.
Posted by: Dual Citizen | February 25, 2009 at 11:03
We want to express of deepest sympathy to Samantha, David and all of the Family. Words are inadequate in such circumtsances.
"Life is eternal; and love is immortal;
and death is only a horizon; and a horizon
is nothing save the limit of our sight."
Rossiter Worthington Raymond.
Posted by: Ross & Marian Warren | February 25, 2009 at 11:05
Please accept our personal condolences and prayers for yourself and family under the sad loss of your son Ivan. May he rest in peace in the lap of the angels. God Bless.
Posted by: Andy & Margaret JOYCE | February 25, 2009 at 11:06
This is terribly sad. He deserves to take a little time away from politics to be with with his family.
It's strange how this unites Brown and Cameron. It wouldn't surprise me if Brown has already called and they've had their first kind word in a long time.
Posted by: resident leftie | February 25, 2009 at 11:12
Hello,
Troll in peace.
I am so very sorry to hear about Mr. Cameron and his wifes tragic loss. This is terrible and I wish him all the best. This is the sort of thing that puts politics to one side and where us as human beings should get together and give our support.
Take care David and Samantha.
Posted by: josh | February 25, 2009 at 11:12
Our condolences and sympathy to David, Samantha and their family.
Posted by: Jamie Dowling | February 25, 2009 at 11:13
My deepest condolences to the Cameron family.
No parent should have to bury their child.
Posted by: centre-right | February 25, 2009 at 11:14
My deepest sympathy and condolences go out to the Cameron family on this day though I realise that this will be no comfort after this tragic loss.
The Conservative Party and I can see people from all across the political spectrum stand by the Camerons at this time and it will be a loss felt by many. By all accounts Ivan brought nothing but joy to the lives he touched.
Rest in Peace Ivan
Posted by: Joseph S. | February 25, 2009 at 11:17