The family of Luke Etheridge, a 16-year-old who died after the car he was in entered the River Wear in Sunderland on Tuesday, has released a moving tribute to him. They described him as "loving, kind, caring, funny and handsome" and said he was Sunderland's "number one fan".
Teen's family pays tribute
In a statement released on Friday, Luke's family said: "Our beautiful boy Luke was loving, kind, caring, funny and handsome. He was so friendly and polite and loved our dog Wilf, shopping for clothes, watching and playing football."
They added: "He always knew the most up to date Sunderland football news and shared it with us immediately. Sunderland will miss its number one fan. Luke loved spending time with all his friends and family. As a family we did everything together from football to holidays, shopping trips and spending time with Wilf our dog."
Investigation ongoing
The black Audi A3 car carrying Luke entered the River Wear on Tuesday. A 17-year-old boy, who was also in the car, has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. Two other teenagers, Jackson Duke, 17, and Zara Shaw, 16, also lost their lives in the incident.
Luke's family thanked their family liaison officers from Northumbria Police and all the emergency services involved. They have asked that their privacy be respected.
Police appeal for information
The investigation into the circumstances leading to the car entering the water remains ongoing. Police are urging people to avoid speculation both on social media and in the community.
Anyone with information or footage should submit it to police or call 101, quoting reference number NP-20260929-0589.
