Tributes paid to men killed in A27 crash
Two men arrested following the incident have been released under investigation
Tributes have been paid to two men who were tragically killed in a three-vehicle collision on the A27 near Lewes.
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 approach to the Ashcombe Roundabout, at 10.20pm on April 30th.
The occupants of the Audi S5 were taken to Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton, where they later died from their injuries.
They have been identified as 39-year-old Dean Bridger, from Lewes (left in picture), and 33-year-old Darren Grant, from Peacehaven (right in picture).
Dean’s family issued the following tribute to 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.
In the meantime, police are continuing to appeal to anyone with any information to come forward.
They are looking for those with dashcam footage or CCTV video of either of the vehicles prior to the collision.
Those with information can email collision.appeal@sussex.pnn.police.uk quoting Operation Woodman.