‘Kindest’ girl killed in river crash named as police search for missing teenager

19 Mar 2026 • 11:24 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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The identities of two teenagers involved in a car crash that plunged into a river have been released by police, following the recovery of a 16-year-old girl's body and ongoing searches for an 18-year-old man.

Eden Bunn, 16, tragically died after the vehicle she was travelling in veered off the road and entered the River Nene near Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, police confirmed.

She was believed to be a rear-seat passenger when the blue VW Polo crashed at approximately 8.20pm on Tuesday.

Her family, from Sutton Bridge, Lincolnshire, described her as the "kindest, most loving girl we could ever wish for".

Searches are continuing for 18-year-old Declan Berry, of Wisbech, who is thought to have been driving the car when it entered the water.

His family and friends released a statement through police, saying they were "absolutely devastated beyond words".

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Detective Inspector Craig Wheeler, from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said the search for Mr Berry “could be a timely process” due to the “challenging nature of the river”.

Divers recovered Eden’s body on Wednesday.

Cambridgeshire Police said the vehicle had five people inside and three of them managed to get out and were taken to hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening.

Two of the three people who were taken to hospital – a 16-year-old girl and an 18-year-old boy – have been discharged, police said.

A 16-year-old girl remained in hospital on Thursday, the force said.

The vehicle was travelling south on North Brink in Wisbech St Mary’s when it left the road.

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There is a grass bank between the road and the river.

Mr Wheeler said: “This is a truly devastating collision, for all involved.

“My thoughts are with the friends and family of Eden and Declan during this truly horrific time.

“Our investigation is at an early stage but 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.

“Our focus remains on trying to find Declan, however due to the challenging nature of the river, this could be a timely process.

“During this period, there will be an increased police presence along the River Nene whilst we continue our efforts to find him.”

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Eden’s parents Lisa and Dean, her brother Jay, sister Shelby and nephew Axl said in a tribute released through police: “Words cannot describe the tragedy that will stay with us until we are able to meet her again.