The family of a 16-year-old girl who died when a car plunged into the River Wear have paid a heartfelt tribute to their "beautiful girl" with an "infectious laugh and smile".
Zara Shaw, from Newbottle, died after the black Audi A3 she was travelling in entered the river at Panns Bank, near Wearmouth Bridge in Sunderland, on Tuesday afternoon. She was one of three teenagers who lost their lives in the incident.
Family's tribute to Zara
In a statement shared on behalf of Zara's family, they described her as a girl with a "zest for life" who was a "beloved daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, cousin, girlfriend and best friend".
They 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 life time 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."
Gratitude and thanks
The family expressed their gratitude to all those who had been part of Zara's life, saying they were "humbled and grateful" for the overwhelming kindness shown to them in the wake of her passing.
"To everyone who has been in Zara's life we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. You made her what she became," they said. "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."
Zara's family also paid tribute to the emergency services who attended the incident. They said: "Lastly, to our Police Liaison Officers and all emergency services. 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."
School and drama school tributes
Zara had been a pupil at Christ's College in Sunderland from the age of four before leaving the school this summer. In a statement, the school said: "Christ's College is deeply saddened to learn of the tragic death of former student Zara Shaw, who was a much loved member of the school family. Zara was a kind and loyal student with a close-knit circle of friends. She maintained strong and positive relationships with her peers and her teachers, she worked hard in school and staff described Zara as a delight to teach."
The school said its thoughts were with the families and loved ones of all three teenagers who lost their lives, and confirmed that support was being made available to staff, pupils and their families affected by the tragedy.
The Drama Lab, a drama school in Sunderland where Zara had previously been a student, also paid tribute to her. It said it was "deeply saddened" by her death and sent its "heartfelt condolences" to Zara's family and loved ones, as well as the families of Jackson Duke, 17, and Luke Etheridge, 16, who also lost their lives.
Investigation ongoing
Northumbria Police confirmed that officers received several reports from members of the public that a black Audi A3 had come off the road at Panns Bank and entered the water. A 17-year-old boy who was also in the vehicle escaped without serious injury and was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the car entering the water remains ongoing. Police have urged the public not to speculate about the incident on social media or within the community.
Anyone with information or footage can submit it to police through the force's online portal. Anyone unable to make contact online can call 101, quoting reference number NP-20260929-0589. Zara's family have asked that their privacy be respected at this incredibly difficult time.
