Two teenagers who died when a car plunged into the River Wear in Sunderland had causes of death "consistent with drowning", an inquest has heard. Jackson Duke, 17, died along with Luke Etheridge and Zara Shaw, both aged 16, when an Audi A3 went into the river in Sunderland city centre on September 29.
Inquest hearings held at Sunderland City Hall
On Monday morning (October 12), an inquest opening hearing was held for Jackson, followed by one for Luke at Sunderland City Hall. Another hearing was scheduled to take place later on Monday for Zara.
Sunderland senior coroner David Place extended his condolences to Jackson's parents, who attended the seven-minute hearing. Mr Place said it was "a tragic loss for the whole of the city".
Police investigation ongoing
Coroner's officer Vicky Ross outlined the background to the incident and said Northumbria Police were called to the Panns Bank area of Sunderland on the afternoon of September 29 following reports that four people in the car had gone into the Wear. She said one of the occupants had "self-extricated", but the other three "tragically could not" and were located later by divers, still in the Audi.
Ms Ross said: "The circumstances surrounding the incident are subject to an ongoing investigation by Northumbria Police."
Post-mortem findings and tributes
Mr Place said the provisional cause of death indicated by the post-mortem examination was "likely to be consistent with drowning". The cause of death for Luke was the same, it was said at a separate hearing attended by family members. The coroner adjourned both hearings until January 21 next year.
In a statement shared by Northumbria Police on behalf of Zara's family earlier this month, they said: "Zara, you came into this world with a fight, and we know you left it doing the same. You had a zest for life and life loved you. Created as a companion for your sister, Olivia, who loves you deeply and unconditionally. You made us proud from day one, you studied and learnt new skills and made life time friends."
The family thanked everyone who had been part of Zara's life and said they were "humbled and grateful" for the kindness shown to them following her death. At Sunderland's Premier League match against Brighton, fans and players paid tribute to the teenagers who studied at Sunderland College. Before the game, players stood around the centre circle while fans applauded, and Sunderland players wore black armbands during the match.
