The family of a teenage boy who died when his car entered a river have paid tribute to their “funny and handsome” son.
Luke Etheridge, 16, from Sunderland, died on Tuesday after the black Audi A3 he was in entered the River Wear at Panns Bank at around 1.30pm. Jackson Duke, 17, and Zara Shaw, 16, also died in the crash.
Family tribute
In a statement, Luke’s family described him as “loving, kind, caring, funny and handsome”. They said he was “so friendly and polite” and loved his dog Wilf, shopping for clothes, and 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,” they said.
The family added: “Luke loved spending time with all his friends and family. As a family we did everything together from football to holidays, shopping trips and spending time with Wilf our dog.”
Ongoing investigation
Luke’s family thanked their family liaison officers from Northumbria Police and all the emergency services involved. They also asked for their privacy to be respected at this “incredibly difficult time”.
The investigation into the circumstances leading to the car entering the water remains ongoing. Police have asked people to avoid speculation on social media and in the community.
Anyone with information or footage can submit it via the MIPP link provided by police, or call 101 quoting reference number NP-20260929-0589.
