Tributes paid to teenagers who died after car plunged into River Wear

The families of two teenagers who died when a car was driven into the River Wear described one as a "beautiful girl" and the other as a "loving" boy.

Zara Shaw and Luke Etheridge, both 16, died when the vehicle went into the water near Wearmouth Bridge in Sunderland, on Tuesday. Jackson Duke, 17, also died in the incident.

A black Audi A3 careered off the road at Panns Bank before entering the water shortly before 1.30pm on Tuesday, police said.

A 17-year-old boy who was also in the car "reached safety" and suffered non-serious injuries, Northumbria Police said.

He was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, and has since been released on bail pending further inquiries.

On Friday, Zara's family issued a statement which 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.

"Having fun along the way with your dance videos, infectious laugh and smile, you have always been our beloved daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, cousin, girlfriend and best friend."

Luke's family described how the football-mad teenager was Sunderland's "number one fan" and how he loved his dog, Wilf.

They 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.

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"He always knew the most up-to-date Sunderland football news and shared it with us immediately.

"As a family we did everything together from football to holidays, shopping trips and spending time with Wilf our dog.

"Luke is our life, we miss him so bad. Our hearts will ache forever."

Jackson and Luke were from the Sunderland area, and Zara was from Houghton-le-Spring in Tyne and Wear, the force 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, police said.

(c) Sky News 2026: Tributes paid to teenagers who died after car plunged into River Wear