Families have paid tribute to two teenagers who died after a car plunged into the River Wear, with one described as a “beautiful girl” and another remembered as “loving, kind, caring, funny and handsome”.
Zara Shaw and Luke Etheridge, both 16, died when the vehicle went into the water near Wearmouth Bridge, Sunderland, on Tuesday. Jackson Duke, 17, also died in the incident.
Family tributes to Zara Shaw
On Friday, Zara’s family issued a statement which 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 lifetime friends.
“Having fun along the way with your dance videos, infectious laugh and smile, you have always been our beloved daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, cousin, girlfriend and best friend.”
The family said: “To everyone who has been in Zara’s life, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
“You made her what she became.
“At the worst time of our lives, we thank each and every one of you for kindness and good wishes.
“We are humbled and grateful.
“A tragedy has taken you but our memories remain blessed with having you as our daughter.
“Rest safe our beautiful girl, Zara.”
Family tributes to Luke Etheridge
Also in a statement on Friday, Luke’s family described how the football-mad teenager was Sunderland’s “number one fan” and how he loved his dog, Wilf.
They 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.
“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.
“Luke is our life, we miss him so bad. Our hearts will ache forever.”
Police investigation ongoing
The family also praised the liaison officers from Northumbria Police and the emergency services called to the scene.
They said: “Thank-you for not making our child a number but a child treated with the utmost care and not left alone.
“I know this will impact you all and the hope is you feel supported, as we do.”
Police received reports that a black Audi A3 had careered off the road at Panns Bank before entering the water shortly before 1.30pm on Tuesday.
A 17-year-old boy who was also in the car “reached safety” and sustained non-serious injuries, the force said.
He was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, and has since been released on bail pending further inquiries.
Jackson and Luke were from the Sunderland area, and Zara was from Houghton-le-Spring, Tyne and Wear, the force said.
Police have said investigations into what led up to the car entering the water, and to establish who was driving at the time, are ongoing, but no other vehicles are believed to have been involved.
Anyone with information, or CCTV or dashcam footage of the incident, is asked to contact the force quoting reference number NP-20260929-0589.
