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BRIEF

Zara Shaw, Luke Etheridge and Jackson Duke died after a car entered the water near Sunderland’s Wearmouth Bridge.

Published · Oct 2, 2026, 02:04 PMUpdated · Oct 2, 2026, 04:06 PM

Families pay tribute to three teenagers killed in River Wear car plunge

Key context

Families have paid tribute to Zara Shaw, Luke Etheridge and Jackson Duke, who died after a car entered the River Wear near Sunderland. Police said a fourth teenager survived with non-serious injuries and was released on bail after an arrest on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. The investigation remains ongoing.

Section: World
Format: BRIEF
Published: Oct 2, 2026, 02:04 PM

Families have paid tribute to three teenagers who died after a black Audi A3 entered the River Wear near Wearmouth Bridge, Sunderland, on Tuesday.

Zara Shaw, 16, was remembered by her family as a “beautiful girl” with a “zest for life”. Luke Etheridge, also 16, was described by his family as “loving, kind, caring, funny and handsome”. Jackson Duke, 17, also died in the incident.

Police said a 17-year-old boy who was also in the car reached safety with non-serious injuries. He was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and released on bail pending further inquiries.

Investigations into what led to the car entering the water and who was driving remain ongoing. Police said no other vehicles were believed to have been involved.

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