Family of man in bridge crash: 'Our hearts are broken'

The family of a 32-year-old Milford man who was killed after his car fell from a bridge into the Ohio River said Monday their "hearts are broken at the loss of our brother and son."

Officials this weekend identified David Bouma as the occupant of the Pontiac Grand Prix that toppled off the Combs-Hehl bridge March 15 during a crash involving a dozen vehicles.

The car and Bouma’s body were removed Saturday from the river. Water conditions had stalled recovery efforts. In a statement released through Campbell County Police Chief Craig Sorrell, the family said "the last week and a half has been extremely difficult."

"We now have confirmation and can begin to process this tragedy and loss," the family said in the statement. "David lived in Milford for over 6 years, and over that time made many friends in the area and created his home here. The heartache is unimaginable and devastating, and we appreciate the media respecting our privacy during this difficult time. We are forever grateful to the various police departments and recovery teams involved in this entire process for their support, concern, and diligence since day one.

"David’s recovery on Saturday provides us peace in knowing we can lay him to rest, though we will struggle in navigating life without him."

Bouma's co-workers posted condolences Monday on Facebook, saying he “was respected and loved by all of us.”

Bouma worked in Kenwood for Cardinal Solutions Group, a software developer, in its application development division. A message was left Monday for company officials. He had worked at Cardinal Solutions for nearly five years.

“On every project David was the guy that would always go above and beyond what was asked of him,” the Facebook post says. “David was respected and loved by all of us, and he will be deeply missed.”

Bouma previously lived in western Michigan, according to public records. According to his LinkedIn profile, he has a bachelor’s degree in computer science from the University of Michigan.

The crash, which occurred just before rush hour while officials say Bouma was driving home, is still under investigation. His car went over a concrete wall that runs along the bridge’s eastbound lanes.

Officials ID man recovered from car that fell into Ohio River

The cause of death was determined to be head trauma, according to autopsy results. Campbell County Coroner Al Garnick said officials don't believe Bouma drowned.