A 20-year-old trainee plumber who died in a car crash has saved seven lives through organ donation. Edward Pearce, from Heathfield in East Sussex, was fatally injured while driving to work on the A27 near Pevensey on July 13.
Crash details
Edward was driving his white Volkswagen Caddy van westbound on the A27 when it collided with a white Mercedes Sprinter just before 6:30am. A 31-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and has been bailed pending further enquiries.
Family tribute
Edward, known as Bunty to family and friends, was a registered organ donor. His family said: “Even in passing, Edward's kindness and compassion have given others the precious gift of life, creating a legacy that will endure for generations.”
His older brother William died from leukaemia in 2012. After William’s diagnosis, Edward, then aged four, signed up as a bone marrow donor. The family added: “During William’s illness, Edward selflessly became a bone marrow donor at the age of four for his big brother. It was a gift that reflected the depth of his love and compassion.”
Edward donated six organs, helping seven people in urgent need of transplants. His family said he was training to be a plumber and hoped to work in Australia.
Police appeal
Sussex Police are appealing for motorists who passed the broken-down VW Caddy van before the crash, or anyone with dashcam footage, to come forward. Information can be reported quoting Operation Wickham.
