Tributes have been paid to Luke Etheridge, the 16-year-old who died when the car he was in entered the River Wear in Sunderland on Tuesday afternoon. He has been described as a "tremendous, grounded young lad" by the football club he had recently joined, Seaham Red Star FC.
Luke was one of three teenagers to lose their lives in the tragedy. Jackson Duke, 17, and Zara Shaw, 16, also died. Jackson and Luke were from the Sunderland area, while Zara was from Houghton-le-Spring.
Club's tribute to Luke
In a statement on social media, Seaham Red Star FC spoke of its devastation and revealed how Luke helped stop the team he played for from folding. The club said: "It is with huge sadness that we post today. Recent acquisition Luke Etheridge who played in our u17 section and was part of a group that kept the team from folding, has sadly passed away in the tragic events in the River Wear."
The club added: "We pay respects to all three kids with their whole lives ahead of them. Always a Star Luke. Words will never ever encompass what you brought to anyone you came in contact with. Truly heartbreaking news."
The statement continued: "We had literally just got the new kit Saturday so didn't have a chance to get a photo of him in the kit but we will be looking to support all of the lads and parents in the team following this awful tragedy."
Coach's personal tribute
Luke's coach also paid a personal tribute, saying: "I for one was proud to meet you and coach you. Aside from football this boy was just a tremendous, grounded young lad, with the world in front of him."
Zara had been the girlfriend of another of the club's players, according to the club.
Investigation ongoing
Police said they received a number of reports from the public of a black Audi A3 car coming off the road at Panns Bank near Wearmouth Bridge and entering the water on Tuesday afternoon. Jackson, Zara and Luke were all in the car at the time.
An investigation into their deaths is ongoing. A 17-year-old boy, who was also in the car, was not seriously injured. He was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving but has now been released on bail.
