Three Teenagers Likely Drowned After Car Plunge into River Wear, Inquest Hears

An inquest has heard that three teenagers who died after a car plunged into the River Wear likely drowned inside the vehicle. Jackson Duke, 17, died along with Luke Etheridge and Zara Shaw, both 16, when an Audi A3 crashed through a barrier and entered the water in Sunderland city centre on September 29.

Coroner's officer Vicky Ross informed the hearing that Northumbria Police were called to the Panns Bank area following reports that four occupants of the car had entered the River Wear. One occupant managed to escape the vehicle and reach safety. The other three were unable to escape and were later found by divers still inside the Audi.

Sunderland senior coroner David Place extended his condolences to Jackson Duke's parents, describing the loss as 'a tragic loss for the whole of the city.' The provisional cause of death indicated by post-mortem examinations was 'likely to be consistent with drowning.' The hearing was adjourned until January 21.

The incident has prompted tributes from the teenagers' school, families, and the Sunderland AFC community. Jackson Duke, a participant in the Foundation of Light scholarship programme, was described as a 'well-respected and popular' teenager by his school. Sunderland College students Luke Etheridge and Zara Shaw were also remembered by their families. Luke's family described him as a 'funny and handsome' boy who was passionate about football. Zara's family remembered her as a 'beautiful girl' with an 'infectious laugh and smile.'

Sunderland AFC players wore black armbands and observed a minute's applause during their match against Brighton in memory of the teenagers. The Foundation of Light also held a minute's silence ahead of their fixture.

The circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation by Northumbria Police. The vehicle was recovered from the River Wear approximately 24 hours after the crash.