The family of a 16-year-old girl who died when a car entered the River Wear have paid tribute to their "beautiful girl" with an "infectious laugh and smile". Zara Shaw, from Newbottle, was a passenger in a black Audi A3 that entered the water at Panns Bank, near Wearmouth Bridge in Sunderland, on Tuesday afternoon.
'Zest for life' remembered
Her family described Zara as a young woman with a "zest for life" who was a "beloved daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, cousin, girlfriend and best friend". In a statement issued on their behalf, 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 to emergency services
The family thanked everyone who had been part of Zara's life, saying they were "humbled and grateful" for the compassion shown to them. They added: "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."
They also expressed gratitude to the emergency services who responded to the incident, stating: "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. Forever in our thoughts, Zara. Always Mam, Dad and Olivia."
School and drama school tributes
Zara attended Christ's College in Sunderland from the age of four until this summer. The school described her as a "kind and loyal" pupil who was a "delight to teach". In a statement, Christ's College 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 offered condolences to the families of all three teenagers who died and said support was available to staff, pupils and families affected. Zara was among three teenagers who lost their lives after the Audi entered the River Wear. Jackson Duke, 17, and Luke Etheridge, 16, also died. The Drama Lab, a Sunderland-based drama school where Zara had previously studied, said it was "deeply saddened" and extended its "heartfelt condolences" to Zara's family and loved ones, as well as to the families of Jackson and Luke.
Police investigation ongoing
Northumbria Police said officers received multiple reports that a black Audi A3 had veered off the road at Panns Bank and plunged into the water. A 17-year-old boy who was also in the car was not seriously injured and was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. Enquiries into the circumstances are continuing. Police have appealed for the public not to speculate about the incident on social media or in the community. Those with information or footage are asked to submit it via the force's online portal or call 101, quoting reference number NP-20260929-0589. Zara's family have asked for their privacy to be respected during this difficult time.
