Before Saturday's Premier League fixture at the Stadium of Light, Sunderland and Brighton & Hove Albion players stood around the centre circle as a minute's applause took place in memory of three teenagers who died in the River Wear tragedy. The tribute was held just before kick-off, with Sunderland players also wearing black armbands during the match.
The three young fans were Zara Shaw and Luke Etheridge, both 16, and Jackson Duke, 17. They died when the vehicle they were in went into the water near Wearmouth Bridge in Sunderland on September 29. Luke's family have since described him as Sunderland's "number one fan".
Programme tribute and black armbands
A note at the start of Sunderland's pre-match programme, Red and White, also paid tribute. It read: "Before kick-off, we will remember Jackson Duke, aged 17, and Luke Etheridge and Zara Shaw, both aged 16, who sadly lost their lives in the River Wear tragedy last week. Our thoughts remain with their families, friends and everyone affected. Today, our players will wear black armbands and supporters will be invited to join us in a minute's applause in their memory. May they rest in peace."
Northumbria Police first received reports that a black Audi A3 had careered off the road before entering the water shortly before 1.30pm on September 29. A 17-year-old boy who was also in the car "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 inquiries.
Family tributes
Jackson and Luke were from the Sunderland area, and Zara was from Newbottle, Tyne and Wear, the force said. On October 2, Zara and Luke's families released tributes to their loved ones. Luke's family issued a statement which said: "Our beautiful boy Luke was loving, kind, caring, funny and handsome. He was so friendly and polite and loved our dog Wilf, shopping for clothes, watching and playing football. He always knew the most up-to-date Sunderland football news and shared it with us immediately. Sunderland will miss its number one fan."
Zara's family 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 lifetime friends."
Police have said investigations into what led up to the car entering the water, and to establish who was driving at the time, are ongoing, but no other vehicles are believed to have been involved. Anyone with information, or CCTV or dashcam footage of the incident, is asked to contact the force quoting reference number NP-20260929-0589.
