A body has been discovered during the extensive search for a missing driver after a tragic incident where a car plunged into a river in Cambridgeshire, resulting in the death of a 16-year-old girl. The recovery marks a somber development in the ongoing investigation into the accident that occurred on March 17.
Details of the Fatal Incident
Declan Berry, an 18-year-old from Wisbech, has been missing since a blue VW Polo entered the River Nene at North Brink, near Wisbech St Mary. It is understood that Mr Berry was driving the vehicle, which contained four other young individuals at the time of the incident.
Eden Bunn, aged 16 and from Sutton Bridge, tragically lost her life after the car submerged into the river. In a fortunate turn, three other occupants—two females and one male—managed to escape from the vehicle. They were promptly taken to a local hospital with injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening.
Extensive Search Efforts
Comprehensive searches were conducted across the river by specialist teams, including personnel from the police and fire services. The heartbroken family of Mr Berry, along with dedicated volunteers, participated daily in the efforts, hoping to bring closure and lay the young man to rest.
Cambridgeshire Police have now confirmed that a body has been recovered from the water. A spokesperson for the force stated: 'Police have recovered a body from the river at Crab Marsh, Wisbech. Formal identification has yet to be carried out.' This announcement follows weeks of intensive searching along miles of the River Nene, which flows through four counties, including Cambridgeshire, with some sections being tidal.
Heartfelt Tributes from Families
In a moving tribute, Mr Berry's older brother, Connor, described him as 'full of life, and always joking.' He highlighted that Mr Berry had a great sense of humour and shared a passion for cars with many of his friends. Mr Berry came from a hardworking family and worked alongside his brother in a garden services business.
Connor also revealed that Mr Berry was set to join the army later this summer after participating in a recruitment trial in Birmingham, describing it as 'fulfilling his dream.' Dozens of floral tributes have been left at the scene by friends and family, honoring both Mr Berry and Ms Bunn.
Ms Bunn's family paid a poignant tribute, describing her as the 'kindest, most loving girl' they could ever wish for. Her parents, Lisa and Dean, along with her brother Jay, sister Shelby, and nephew Axl, expressed their profound grief, noting that her horses, Daisy and Dolly, were her world. They added: 'Words cannot describe the tragedy that will stay with us until we are able to meet her again.'
Ongoing Investigation and Appeals
Cambridgeshire Police are continuing their investigation into the incident and are appealing for witnesses who may have seen the car enter the river. The force has emphasized the importance of community cooperation in piecing together the events leading up to the crash.
The recovery of the body brings a measure of closure to the search, but the emotional impact on the families and local community remains profound. As formal identification procedures are underway, authorities urge anyone with information to come forward to assist in the ongoing inquiry.
