The families of three teenagers who died after a car plunged into the River Wear have paid tribute to their loved ones.
Zara Shaw, 16, Luke Etheridge, 16, and Jackson Duke, 17, died when the vehicle entered the water near Wearmouth Bridge in Sunderland on Tuesday.
Zara’s family described her as their “beautiful girl” and said she had a “zest for life”. They said she was a beloved daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, cousin, girlfriend and best friend, and praised her “infectious laugh and smile”.
In a statement issued on Friday, the family said: “You came into this world with a fight, and we know you left it doing the same.” They also thanked Northumbria Police liaison officers and the emergency services for treating Zara “with the utmost care”.
Luke’s family described him as “loving, kind, caring, funny and handsome”. They said he was a football fan who loved Sunderland, his dog Wilf, and spending time with friends and family.
They said Luke was Sunderland’s “number one fan” and added: “Luke is our life, we miss him so bad. Our hearts will ache forever.”
Police said reports were received shortly before 1.30pm that a black Audi A3 had careered off the road at Panns Bank before entering the water.
A 17-year-old boy who was also in the car “reached safety” and suffered non-serious injuries, police said. He was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and later released on bail pending further inquiries.
Police said Jackson and Luke were from the Sunderland area, while Zara was from Houghton-le-Spring, Tyne and Wear.
Investigations into what led to the car entering the water and who was driving were ongoing. Police said no other vehicles were believed to have been involved.
Anyone with information, or CCTV or dashcam footage of the incident, is asked to contact police quoting reference number NP-20260929-0589.
