Intensive Search Continues for Missing Teen Driver Following Tragic River Crash
Rescue teams in Cambridgeshire are urgently calling for volunteers to assist in the recovery of an 18-year-old boy who remains missing nearly ten days after a devastating car accident. Declan Berry, believed to have been driving a blue Volkswagen Polo, is still unaccounted for after the vehicle plunged into the River Nene on March 17, resulting in the death of one teenage passenger and injuries to three others.
Details of the Fatal Incident and Ongoing Recovery Efforts
The tragic event occurred at approximately 8:20 PM in Wisbech St Mary, as the car was traveling southbound before leaving the road and entering the water. Among the five occupants, all aged between 16 and 18, three managed to escape the submerged vehicle. These survivors—two girls and one boy—were transported to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King’s Lynn with injuries that were serious but not life-threatening.
Tragically, the body of 16-year-old Eden Bunn, who was seated in the back, was recovered from the river the following day. Declan Berry, from Wisbech, has not been found despite extensive search operations. In a recent development, Cambridgeshire Search and Rescue issued a public appeal on Facebook for volunteers to help locate the missing teen in the murky waters of the River Nene.
Community Support and Heartfelt Tributes for the Victims
In response to the tragedy, a friend of Declan’s, Donny West, has organized a GoFundMe fundraiser with the full support of the Berry family. The campaign aims to raise £11,000 to assist the family during what Donny describes as an ‘unimaginable and uncertain time,’ while also covering costs for a dignified memorial. Donny emphasized that Declan’s family has not lost hope and highlighted his plans to join the army in July, portraying him as a hardworking and beloved individual within their car community.
Declan’s family and friends released a statement expressing their devastation and requesting privacy. Meanwhile, Eden Bunn’s parents from Sutton Bridge paid tribute to their daughter, remembering her as ‘the kindest, most loving girl’ with a passion for horses, and noting that the tragedy will linger until they reunite with her.
Witness Accounts and Broader Impact of the Accident
Local witnesses recounted the harrowing scene, with one noting the presence of emergency lights and police waiting for the tide to recede before recovering the car. The witness expressed deep sympathy for the families involved, describing the victims as ‘good kids’ who were well-liked in the community. This incident has cast a shadow over the area, underscoring the dangers faced by young drivers and the profound grief experienced by those affected.
As the search for Declan Berry continues, authorities and volunteers remain committed to bringing closure to this heartbreaking case, while the community rallies around the families to offer support and condolences during this difficult period.
