Tributes Paid To Men Who Died In Crash Near Lewes

Tributes have been paid to two men whose lives were ended after a three-vehicle collision on the A27 near Lewes on Friday April 30.

They have been identified as Dean Bridger, 39, from Lewes, and Darren Grant, 33, from Peacehaven.

Police were called to the incident involving a black Audi S5, a silver Audi TT and a silver Ford Transit on the eastbound carriageway, on the approach to the Ashcombe Roundabout, at 10.20pm on Friday 30 April.

The occupants of the Audi S5 were taken to Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton, where they later died from their injuries.

Describing Dean, his family praised him:

“Dean was a very big part of our lives, loving, caring and incredibly generous.

"The outpouring of grief and the many, many messages of support have been incredible and a testament to the ‘Duke’, a good son, loving father, brother and partner who really will be missed in many ways.

"We'd like to thank the emergency services for their help and support."

Darren’s family issued the following tribute to him:

“Darren was a beloved son, brother, boyfriend and daddy to five beautiful girls who were his world, and an amazing uncle and step-dad.

“He was always the life and soul of any party, anyone who knew him would agree, and lived life to the fullest.

"Always playing the joker but was also there when you needed him.”

The driver of the Ford Transit – a 59-year-old man from Havering – sustained serious injuries in the collision and was taken to hospital for treatment.

No other injuries were reported.

A 30-year-old man from Lewes was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, drug-driving and possession of cannabis.

A 29-year-old man from Lewes was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

Both suspects have been released under investigation pending further enquiries.

A witness appeal is continuing, as officers reach out to anyone who may have seen either of the vehicles – which may have been travelling with a white Audi S3.

Reports are welcomed to the email address [email protected] quoting Operation Woodman.