Tragic River Nene Crash Claims Life of Teenager, Search Continues for Second
Cambridgeshire Police have officially identified the two teenagers involved in a devastating vehicle collision that saw a car plunge into the River Nene near Wisbech. The body of 16-year-old Eden Bunn has been recovered by divers, while extensive searches are ongoing for 18-year-old Declan Berry, who is believed to have been driving the vehicle at the time of the incident.
Details of the Fatal Collision
The tragic event occurred at approximately 8:20 PM on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, on North Brink in Wisbech St Mary's. According to police reports, a blue Volkswagen Polo travelling south left the road, traversed a grass bank, and entered the River Nene. The vehicle was carrying five occupants in total.
Three of the five individuals managed to escape the submerged car and were transported to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Police confirmed that a 16-year-old girl and an 18-year-old boy have since been discharged, while another 16-year-old girl remained in hospital as of Thursday.
Victims and Family Tributes
Eden Bunn, a 16-year-old from Sutton Bridge, Lincolnshire, was confirmed to have been a rear-seat passenger in the vehicle. Her body was recovered from the river on Wednesday by specialist diving teams.
In a heartfelt tribute released through police, Eden's family described 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."
Declan Berry, an 18-year-old from Wisbech, is still missing. His family and friends stated they were "absolutely devastated beyond words" in their own tribute conveyed by authorities.
Ongoing Search and Investigation
Detective Inspector Craig Wheeler of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit emphasised the challenges facing the search operation. "Our focus remains on trying to find Declan, however due to the challenging nature of the river, this could be a timely process," he stated.
Mr Wheeler confirmed that there will be an increased police presence along the River Nene as efforts continue. He described the collision as "a truly devastating collision, for all involved," and extended his thoughts to the families and friends of both teenagers.
The investigation remains in its early stages, with police appealing to the public for assistance. Authorities are particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have witnessed the collision or seen the blue VW Polo in the Wisbech area between 7:00 PM and 8:20 PM on Tuesday. They are also requesting any dashcam footage that could aid the inquiry, referencing incident 515 of March 17.
This tragic incident has sent shockwaves through the local community, highlighting the dangers of the rural road network adjacent to waterways. The police investigation continues as recovery efforts for Declan Berry persist under difficult river conditions.
