“It’s time for her to rest in peace.”
Those were the quiet, heartbreaking words shared by the family of Eden Bunn — words that now echo across a community brought together by loss, and by love.
In less than 24 hours, more than £9,000 was raised to support the funeral of the 16-year-old from Sutton Bridge, a girl remembered not for headlines, but for her kindness. The fundraiser, launched in the immediate aftermath of the tragedy, quickly became a focal point for those wishing to offer something — anything — to a grieving family.
Eden died after the car she was travelling in entered the River Nene at North Brink, near Wisbech, on March 17. The incident unfolded suddenly, leaving little time for reaction and even less for understanding. Three other teenagers managed to escape from the vehicle and were taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King’s Lynn with non-life-threatening injuries.
But Eden did not make it out.
Her body was later recovered from the river, confirming the worst fears of those who knew her. Since then, tributes have continued to pour in — not only from friends and family, but from strangers moved by the story of a life cut short.
The driver of the vehicle, believed to be 18-year-old Declan Berry, remains missing. Specialist search teams have continued to comb the river in the days following the incident, as questions linger and hope fades into quiet uncertainty.
For Eden’s family — her parents Lisa and Dean, her brother Jay, sister Shelby, and nephew Axl — the loss is immeasurable. In a statement, they described her as “the kindest, most loving girl we could ever wish for.”
“Her horses — Daisy and Dolly — were her world,” they added. “And she was ours.”
It is perhaps this detail that has stayed with many. The image of Eden with her horses — calm, present, and deeply connected to the life she loved — offers a glimpse into who she truly was beyond the tragedy.
The GoFundMe page, set up by Jasmine Rauch, describes Eden as “a truly remarkable, kind, thoughtful and caring young soul taken far too soon.” Donations have continued to rise, each one a quiet gesture of solidarity.
In times like these, there are no words that fully comfort. But there are actions — small, collective, human — that remind a family they are not alone.
And in the space left behind by Eden Bunn, it is those actions that now speak the loudest.
