Police Name Three Teenagers Who Died After Car Entered River Wear
Authorities identify Jackson Duke, Luke Etheridge, and Zara Shaw, all aged 16 and 17, who died when a vehicle submerged in the River Wear.
Northumbria Police have identified three teenagers who died after the car they were traveling in entered the River Wear. The victims have been named as 17-year-old Jackson Duke, 16-year-old Luke Etheridge, and 16-year-old Zara Shaw.
The incident occurred on Tuesday, shortly before 1:30 PM BST, when a black Audi A3 left the road at Panns Bank, near Wearmouth Bridge, in Sunderland, and entered the water. Four individuals were in the car at the time.
Jackson Duke and Luke Etheridge were residents of Sunderland, while Zara Shaw was from Houghton-le-Spring. A 17-year-old boy, who was able to reach safety, has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, according to the police.
Investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances leading up to the car entering the river, including identifying the driver.
Sunderland College confirmed that three of its students were among the deceased and expressed deep sadness. "This is a heartbreaking loss for our college community, and the wider city of Sunderland," a statement from the college read.
Ch Supt Scott Cowie, area commander for Sunderland, stated, "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."