Three teenagers who died when the Audi they were travelling in went into the River Wear most likely drowned, separate inquests heard.
Jackson Duke, 17, died along with Luke Etheridge and Zara Shaw, both 16, when an Audi A3 plunged into the River Wear in Sunderland on September 29. The cause of death for all three was “consistent with drowning”, separate inquests heard today.
A 17-year-old boy, who managed to reach safety, has been released on bail pending further inquiries after being arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
Inquest hearings detail the incident
Sunderland senior coroner David Place extended his condolences to Jackson’s parents during the first hearing. Coroner’s officer Vicky Ross said Northumbria Police were called to the Panns Bank area of Sunderland on the afternoon of September 29.
They arrived in response to reports that four people in the car had entered the Wear. She said one occupant had “self-extricated.” But the other three, including Jackson, “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.” Mr Place said the provisional cause of death indicated by the post-mortem examination was “likely to be consistent with drowning.”
Tributes paid across the city
The cause of death for Jackson, Luke and Zara was the same, it was said at a separate hearing. Jackson and Luke were from Sunderland while Zara lived in Houghton-le-Spring, Co Durham.
The coroner extended his condolences to Luke’s family members. Zara’s parents did not attend the inquest and Mr Place said he offered them his condolences through his coroner’s officer. Mr Place said it was “a tragic loss for the whole city.”
The coroner adjourned the hearing until January 21 next year. At Sunderland’s Premier League match against Brighton on Saturday, 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 for a minute. Sunderland players also wore black armbands during the match.
