A27 crash deaths: Dean Bridger and Darren Grant family tributes

Dean Bridger, 39, and Darren Grant, 33, died in the collision near the Ashcombe Roundabout.

Police were called to the scene when a black Audi S5, a silver Audi TT, and a Ford Transit van were involved at 10.20pm on Friday, April 30.

Mr Bridger, from Lewes, and Mr Grant, from Peacehaven were in the black Audi S5 and were rushed to the Royal Sussex County Hospital.

Sadly the men later died from their injuries, while 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.

Now the families of Mr Bridger and Mr Grant have issued short tributes to the two men.

Mr Bridger’s family said: “Dean was a very big part of our lives, loving, caring and incredibly generous.

Dean Bridger, 39, died in the crash on the A27 near Lewes on April 30

"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.”

Mr Grant’s family said: ““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.”

Darren Grant, 33, died in the crash on the A27 near Lewes on April 30

Police closed the A27 and launched Operation Woodman to investigate the crash.

Images from the scene shows the wreckage of the vehicles involved.

The crash between Lewes and Falmer on April 30

A 30-year-old man from Lewes was arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless 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.

In particular, officers want to trace anyone who saw either of the vehicles – which may have been travelling with a white Audi S3 – or anyone who captured either the cars on dash cam or CCTV prior to the collision.

Anyone with information should email: collision.appeal@sussex.pnn.police.uk quoting Operation Woodman.

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