Tragic River Nene Crash Claims Life of 'Kindest' Teenager Eden Bunn
Police have confirmed the identities of two teenagers involved in a devastating car crash that plunged into the River Nene near Wisbech, Cambridgeshire. The body of 16-year-old Eden Bunn has been recovered, while searches continue for 18-year-old Declan Berry, who remains missing following the tragic incident.
Details of the Fatal Collision
The blue VW Polo was travelling south on North Brink in Wisbech St Mary's when it left the road and entered the River Nene at approximately 8.20pm on Tuesday evening. Police confirmed there is a grass bank between the road and the river where the vehicle entered the water.
Eden Bunn, believed to be a rear-seat passenger in the vehicle, tragically died in the crash. Her family, from Sutton Bridge in Lincolnshire, released an emotional tribute through police, describing her as "the kindest, most loving girl we could ever wish for."
Her parents Lisa and Dean, brother Jay, sister Shelby and nephew Axl added: "Words cannot describe the tragedy that will stay with us until we are able to meet her again. Her horses – Daisy and Dolly – were her world, and she was ours."
Ongoing Search for Missing Teenager
Declan Berry, 18, of Wisbech, is believed to have been driving the vehicle when it entered the water. His family and friends released a statement through police saying they were "absolutely devastated beyond words."
Detective Inspector Craig Wheeler, from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, warned that the search for Mr Berry "could be a timely process" due to the "challenging nature of the river."
"This is a truly devastating collision, for all involved," Mr Wheeler stated. "My thoughts are with the friends and family of Eden and Declan during this truly horrific time. Our focus remains on trying to find Declan."
Vehicle Occupants and Injuries
Cambridgeshire Police confirmed the vehicle contained five people at the time of the crash. Three occupants managed to escape from the submerged car and were taken to hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening.
- Two of those three – a 16-year-old girl and an 18-year-old boy – have since been discharged from hospital
- A 16-year-old girl remained in hospital on Thursday, according to police statements
- Divers recovered Eden Bunn's body from the river on Wednesday
Police Investigation and Appeal
Detective Inspector Wheeler confirmed the investigation remains at an early stage but appealed for witnesses to come forward. "I would appeal to anyone who may have seen the collision or the blue VW Polo in the Wisbech area between 7pm and 8.20pm on Tuesday to contact police," he said.
Police have announced there will be an increased presence along the River Nene as search efforts continue for Declan Berry. Authorities are specifically requesting anyone with dashcam footage from the area during the relevant time period to come forward, referencing incident 515 of March 17.
The tragic incident has left the local community in shock as emergency services continue their challenging search operation in the River Nene while supporting the devastated families of both teenagers.
