Families pay tribute to three Sunderland teens killed when car plunged into River Wear

From the Newshound archive · first published 2 October 2026 · last updated 3 October 2026.

Zara Shaw's family called the 16-year-old their "beautiful girl" who "came into this world with a fight", while Luke Etheridge's family paid tribute to the Sunderland FC-obsessed 16-year-old as their "number one fan" whose heart they will "ache for forever". All three teenagers — including Jackson Duke, 17 — were students at Sunderland College who died on Tuesday after a black Audi A3 left the road at Panns Bank and plunged into the River Wear near Wearmouth Bridge. A 17-year-old who escaped with minor injuries has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and bailed while Northumbria Police work to establish who was at the wheel.

Zara's family expressed gratitude to emergency services for treating their daughter "with the utmost care and not left alone".

Luke's family described him as a dedicated Seaham Red Star FC youth player who lived for Sunderland FC news.

Sunderland College said the triple tragedy had "devastated" everyone across its community.