Tributes have been paid to teenage friends who were in a car that plunged into a river.
The body of Eden Bunn, 16, was found ‘still in her seatbelt’ after a car carrying four of her friends rolled down a steep bank and into the River Nene near the small town of Wisbech in Cambridgeshire.
Declan Berry, who just turned 18, is still missing. He is believed to have been driving the blue VW Polo that vanished in the river. Despite a desperate search it was discovered bypolice on Wednesday when the tide receded.
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Eden’s parents, Lisa and Dean, her brother Jay, sister Shelby and nephew Axl said: ‘Eden was the kindest, most loving girl we could ever wish for. Her horses – Daisy and Dolly – were her world, and she was ours.
‘Words cannot describe the tragedy that will stay with us until we are able to meet her again.’
Declan’s family said: ‘We are absolutely devastated beyond words and ask for privacy during this tragic time.’
His sister posted on Facebook: ‘After a very long emotional few days we have placed flowers down for both Declan and Eden.
‘If anyone wants to come leave flowers, that’s fine – the more the better.
‘We are still currently waiting for him to be found. We are hoping we can arrange a funeral and a good send-off with all his family and friends.
‘Forever 18 brother, miss and love you always.’
A 16-year-old girl remains in hospital today while the other two have been discharged.
The group of teenagers who were in the car when it entered the murky water at 8.20pm on Tuesday were aged between 16 and 18 and were described as ‘good kids’.
Three of them managed to get out of the car and were taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King’s Lynn with injuries that were not life-threatening.
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A guest staying at a nearby hotel told Metro: ‘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 good kids and very popular around here.’
The vehicle was travelling southbound on North Brink in Wisbech St Mary’s when it left the road, the force said.
DI Craig 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 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.’
At least a dozen emergency services personnel could be seen on the riverbank on Wednesday afternoon, as a diver searched in the water.
Police are appealing for witnesses and those with dashcam footage to contact them.
Crime & Courts Correspondent
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