Castle View Enterprise Academy in Sunderland has paid tribute to Jackson Duke, a 17-year-old former student who died when a car entered the River Wear. The school described him as a "polite, friendly and much-liked teenager" who made a positive impression on staff and fellow students.
Jackson was one of three teenagers who lost their lives in the incident on Tuesday. Luke Etheridge and Zara Shaw, both 16, also died. Since then, tributes have been paid to the youngsters, and a GoFundMe page has been set up to help raise funds towards Jackson's funeral costs.
Head teacher's statement
Mrs J Owens, Principal of Castle View Enterprise Academy, released a statement on behalf of the school. Jackson was a student there, leaving in 2025 after completing his GCSEs.
Mrs Owens said: "We are all deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Jackson Duke. On behalf of everyone at Castle View Enterprise Academy, I would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to Jackson’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time."
"Jackson was a well-respected and popular member of our school community who fully embraced academic life. Polite, friendly and much-liked, he made a positive impression on both staff and fellow students."
Football club tribute and fundraising
Jackson's football club, Hebburn Town, where he played on the under 18s team, has 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. More than £4,000 has been raised in his memory through GoFundMe.
Mrs Owens added: "Jackson left Castle View Enterprise Academy in 2025, having achieved a full suite of GCSE qualifications and completed his Duke of Edinburgh Award. He was a keen sportsman and valued member of our football team, contributing enthusiastically to school life beyond the classroom."
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 the driver was 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.
