Teenagers Identified After Car Plunged Into River Wear in Sunderland

Three teenagers killed after a car plunged into the River Wear in Sunderland have been named by police. Jackson Duke, Luke Etheridge, and Zara Shaw died in t...

Editorial Desk

September 30, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — Sunderland, United Kingdom — Authorities have confirmed the identities of three teenagers who lost their lives when a vehicle plunged into the River Wear in Sunderland. The incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon, prompting an emergency response from local agencies.

The victims, identified as Jackson Duke, 17, and 16-year-olds Luke Etheridge and Zara Shaw, were in a black Audi A3 that entered the river near Panns Bank. The car reportedly broke through a metal barrier before submerging in the water at approximately 1:30 p.m. local time.

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Emergency crews recovered the bodies of two boys and one girl from the river late Tuesday night. While the exact cause of the accident is still under investigation, preliminary reports suggest the vehicle may have been placed in the wrong gear before the collision. Police have released the names of the deceased following the incident.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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