Search on for driver, 18, still missing after car crashes into river killing friend

Rescuers are calling out for help recovering an 18-year-old boy still missing after a car full of teenage friends plunged into a river.

Declan Berry is believed to have been behind the wheel of the blue Volkswagen Polo, which crashed into the River Nene in Cambridgeshire on March 17.

Four other people, all between the ages of 16 and 18, were also in the car as it travelled south but left the road at Wisbech St Mary at about 8.20pm.

Two girls and one boy managed to escape the car and were taken to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King’s Lynn with non-life-threatening injuries.

The body of 16-year-old Eden Bunn, who was sitting in the back seat, was recovered from the water the following day.

Declan, from Wisbech, is still yet to be found nearly ten days after.

On Thursday, Cambridgeshire Search and Rescue put out a callout on Facebook for volunteers to help recover the missing teen from the murky river.

It came as a friend set up a GoFundMe to raise money for his family.

Donny West, who knows Declan through a car community group, says he had the Berry family’s full support to organise the fundraiser, which has a goal of £11,000.

He says he wants the money raised to help the family through an ‘unimaginable and uncertain time’ as they wait for news of Declan, and to pay for the ‘dignified and meaningful send-off he truly deserves’- although he notes Declan’s family ‘has not given up hope’.

‘Declan is a much-loved son, family member, friend, and valued member of our car community,’ Donny said.

‘His absence is being felt deeply by all who know him. He is remembered for the joy and laughter he brought to those around him, as well as his kind and caring nature.

‘Declan is someone who meant so much to so many people. He is a hardworking, determined, and dedicated young man with his whole future ahead of him.’

Donny says Declan planned to join the army in July.

‘Every contribution will help show the Berry family how much love and support surround them during this incredibly difficult time,’ he says.

Declan’s family and friends said in a statement: ‘We are absolutely devastated beyond words and ask for privacy during this tragic time.’

Eden Bunn, from Sutton Bridge, was described as ‘the kindest, most loving girl we could ever wish for’ who loved her horses.

‘Words cannot describe the tragedy that will stay with us until we are able to meet her again,’ Eden’s parents said in a statement.

Witnesses said that she was found in the backseat with her seat belt on. One said: ‘All I saw was blue lights everywhere but I didn’t hear anything.

‘The police were waiting on the bridge until the tide went down. They have just found the car. I can’t stop thinking about the families.

‘Three made it out alive but it was a big accident. They are all good kids and very popular around here.’

To donate to Declan’s fundraiser click here and for Eden’s click here.

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