Three teenagers killed in River Wear tragedy named as investigation continues
The three teens who died after a car entered the River Wear in Sunderland have been named.
A black Audio A3, carrying four passengers, came off the road near Wearmouth Bridge and entered the water at around 1.30pm on Tuesday (30 September).
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.
The force said Jackson and Luke were from the Sunderland area, while Zara was from Houghton-le-Spring.
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A 17-year-old boy, who was able to reach safety, was taken to hospital where he was treated for non-serious injuries.
He has since been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and remains in police custody.
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.”
The force said inquiries to establish who was driving at the time are ongoing.
Investigation into what led to the car entering the water are in the early stages, but police said, but no other vehicles are thought to have been involved.
Cowie continued: “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.”
An eyewitness who was there on Tuesday, told the Press Association he heard a bang and a sound like a very large rock hitting water, followed shortly by sirens.
While a local resident told the Daily Mail: There were loads of ambulances here. We had helicopters here at one point.
"This is the first time I've ever seen anything like this around here.
“I've lived here for three years, this is sad to see.
“Some families may get some awful, awful news today.”
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.
Police are asking anyone with information, or CCTV or dashcam footage of the incident, to contact the force quoting reference number NP-20260929-0589.
Claire Reid