More than £3,000 has been raised in memory of a teenager who died when a car entered the River Wear in Sunderland. Jackson Duke, aged 17, was among three teenagers who lost their lives in the incident on Tuesday.
Luke Etheridge and Zara Shaw, both aged 16, also died in the incident. A GoFundMe page was set up to help raise funds towards funeral costs following the "heartbreaking and sudden loss of a much-loved 17-year-old, Jackson Duke."
Fundraiser launched after tragic loss
Within six hours of the page being launched, over £2,300 had been donated in his memory. Organiser Norma Thoms wrote on the page: "We are asking for your help following the heartbreaking and sudden loss of a much-loved 17-year-old, Jackson Duke who tragically passed away following a terrible accident as many of you will have seen on social media and the news these past few days.
"No family should ever have to face the unimaginable pain of losing their child, especially so suddenly and at such a young age. His family are now having to cope with an enormous amount of grief while also facing the financial pressure that comes with arranging a funeral and everything else that follows such a devastating loss.
"We are setting up this fundraiser to help take some of that financial pressure away from his family during this incredibly difficult time. Every donation, no matter how small, will go towards helping with funeral costs and other expenses the family are now facing, allowing them to focus on grieving, supporting one another and remembering their son.
"If you are unable to donate, please consider sharing this fundraiser. Your support, kind words and messages mean more than you could imagine to a family going through such an unimaginable loss.
"Thank you to everyone who takes the time to donate, share or simply show their support during this heartbreaking time."
Tributes from Hebburn Town
Jackson's football club, Hebburn Town, where he played on the under 18s team, announced they will hold a minute's silence this weekend in his memory and encouraged all Hebburn teams to join them in observing this tribute wherever possible.
Sharing a tribute to Jackson, the club said: "It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share the devastating news of the passing of Jackson Duke, a much-loved member of Hebburn Town Juniors and one of our U18 players. Jackson was part of our football family, and his loss will be deeply felt by his teammates, coaches, friends and everyone across our club who knew him.
"Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Jackson's family and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time."
Investigation ongoing
Northumbria Police say an investigation into the deaths of the teenagers is ongoing. The force said officers received a number of reports from the public on Tuesday of a black Audi A3 car coming off the road at Panns Bank near Wearmouth Bridge and entering the water.
Another occupant of the car, a 17-year-old boy, reached safety and sustained non-serious injuries. He was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and has since been released on bail pending further enquiries.
Enquiries remain ongoing to establish who was the driver of the car at the time it entered the water. Officers have asked anyone with information, particularly those with CCTV or dashcam footage, to send Northumbria Police a direct message on social media or use live chat and report forms on the force's website.
