The three teenagers who died when a car plunged into the River Wear in Sunderland have been named by police. Jackson Duke, 17, and Luke Etheridge and Zara Shaw, both aged 16, were all in the vehicle during the incident on Tuesday, September 29.
Northumbria Police said Jackson and Luke were from the Sunderland area, while Zara was from Houghton-le-Spring. The force received reports from the public shortly before 1.30pm that a black Audi A3 had careered off the road at Panns Bank, near Wearmouth Bridge, before entering the water.
Arrest made after fatal crash
A 17-year-old boy who was also in the car reached safety and sustained non-serious injuries, according to the force. He has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and remains in police custody. Inquiries to establish who was driving at the time are ongoing.
Police said investigations into what led up to the car entering the water are at an early stage, but added that no other vehicles are believed to have been involved.
Tributes from area commander
Chief Supt Scott Cowie, Area Commander for Sunderland, said: “First and foremost, our thoughts remain with the family and friends of the teenagers who have tragically lost their lives.
“The last 24 hours have brought unimaginable agony and heartbreak for the loved ones of Luke, Jackson and Zara.
“All three had their whole futures ahead of them and will be hugely missed.
“I know the wider community will want to join me in offering their families our heartfelt condolences at this devastating time.
“We will do everything we can to support them, and would continue to ask for their privacy to be respected.
“We also recognise the impact that this tragedy has had upon the people of Sunderland and further afield, and know that you will continue to be there for one another.”
He added: “The investigation into the circumstances leading to the car entering the water remains ongoing.
“We would continue to ask members of the public not to speculate about the incident both on social media and in the community.
“In doing so, please be mindful of the potential impact such commentary could have on the families of those involved in this incident.”
Recovery operation
The operation to recover the car involved police divers entering the river and attaching a harness to the black hatchback, before it was lifted out using a crane. Shortly after 1pm on Wednesday, the car began to emerge from the river, upside down and showing damage to its front bumper and windscreen.
A wide police cordon was held around the scene. Water cascaded from the Audi as it was held in mid-air during the recovery, which coincided with low tide. The vehicle was placed back on dry land, on its roof, just under 24 hours after it entered the river.
The operation brought onlookers to the riverside downstream from the Wearmouth Bridge. Earlier, people threw bunches of flowers into the Wear close to the scene.
Anyone with information, or CCTV or dashcam footage of the incident, is asked to contact the force quoting reference number NP-20260929-0589.
