Three teenagers who died when a car drove into the River Wear in Sunderland on Tuesday have been named by police. Jackson Duke, 17, and Luke Etheridge and Zara Shaw, both aged 16, were all in the car when it plunged into the river, Northumbria Police said.
Jackson and Luke were from the Sunderland area, while Zara was from Houghton-le-Spring, the force added. Shortly before 1.30pm on Tuesday, police received reports from the public that a black Audi A3 had careered off the road at Panns Bank, near Wearmouth Bridge, before entering the water.
Investigation ongoing
Police said investigations into what led up to the car entering the water are ongoing, with inquiries at an early stage, but added no other vehicles are believed to have been involved. A 17-year-old boy who was also in the car “reached safety” and sustained non-serious injuries, the force said. He has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and remains in police custody. The force said inquiries to establish who was driving at the time are ongoing.
Chief Supt Scott Cowie, Area Commander for Sunderland, said: “First and foremost, our thoughts remain with the family and friends of the teenagers who have tragically lost their lives.
“The last 24 hours have brought unimaginable agony and heartbreak for the loved ones of Luke, Jackson and Zara.
“All three had their whole futures ahead of them and will be hugely missed.
“I know the wider community will want to join me in offering their families our heartfelt condolences at this devastating time.
“We will do everything we can to support them, and would continue to ask for their privacy to be respected.
“We also recognise the impact that this tragedy has had upon the people of Sunderland and further afield, and know that you will continue to be there for one another.”
Recovery operation
He added: “The investigation into the circumstances leading to the car entering the water remains ongoing.
“We would continue to ask members of the public not to speculate about the incident both on social media and in the community.
“In doing so, please be mindful of the potential impact such commentary could have on the families of those involved in this incident.”
The operation to recover the car involved police divers entering the river and attaching a harness to the black hatchback, then it was lifted out using a crane. Shortly after 1pm on Wednesday, the car began to emerge from the river, upside down and showing damage to its front bumper and windscreen. A wide police cordon was held around the scene.
Water cascaded from the Audi as it was held in mid-air during the recovery, which coincided with low tide. The vehicle was placed back on dry land, on its roof, just under 24 hours after it entered the river. The operation brought onlookers to the riverside downstream from the Wearmouth Bridge. Earlier, people threw bunches of flowers into the Wear close to the scene.
Anyone with information, or CCTV or dashcam footage of the incident, is asked to contact the force quoting reference number NP-20260929-0589.
