Inquest opens into death of Declan Berry (18) following River Nene crash

Declan Berry, from Wisbech, was one of five people travelling in a blue Volkswagen Polo which crashed into the river at North Bank in Wisbech on the evening on March 17.

His body was recovered on March 31 following extensive searches of the river by specialist diving teams.

Declan has been identified as the driver of the car and was one of two people who lost their lives in the crash.

16-year-old Eden Bunn, from Sutton Bridge, also died in the crash and an inquest into her death was opened earlier in May.

An 18-year-old boy along with two girls (18 and 16) manage to escape.

An inquest into Declan’s death was opened by Area Coroner for Peterborough and Cambridgeshire Simon Milburn on Thursday morning (May 28) at Vantage House in Huntingdon.

The court heard that Mr Berry was driving the car that left the road and entered the River Nene close to the Port of Wisbech.

The hearing heard that the car left the road before becoming fully submerged in the river and recorded a provisional cause of death as drowning as a result of immersion in water.

The hearing was then adjourned for a final inquest to be held on August 17, 2026.

In a tribute, Declan’s family and friends said:

“We are absolutely devastated beyond words and ask for privacy during this tragic time.”