Three teenagers drowned after car entered River Wear, inquest hears
Jackson Duke, 17, drowned inside an Audi that plunged into the River Wear in Sunderland, an inquest has heard. He died alongside Luke Etheridge and Zara Shaw, both 16, after the car went through a barrier; the coroner said the deaths were a profound loss for the city.
Police were called to Panns Bank on 29 September after reports that four people had entered the river. One occupant escaped, while the three teenagers were found by divers inside the car, which was recovered the following day. A post-mortem provisionally indicated drowning; the police investigation is ongoing and the inquest was adjourned until 21 January. Sunderland supporters and players paid tribute, while Jackson’s school and football programme remembered him as a popular student and keen sportsman.
- Three teenagers died after an Audi entered the River Wear.
- An inquest heard Jackson Duke likely drowned in the car.
- Police enquiries continue; the hearing resumes in January.
New here? Start with this
Three teenagers died after a car plunged into the River Wear in Sunderland on 29 September. The Audi went through a barrier near Panns Bank, and whilst one occupant escaped, the other three were found dead inside the submerged vehicle by divers.
Jackson Duke, aged 17, was in the car with Luke Etheridge and Zara Shaw, both aged 16. Drowning has been identified as the likely cause of death, though a full investigation is continuing into the circumstances. A formal inquiry is scheduled for 21 January to determine what happened.
Jackson Duke was remembered as a popular student and keen sportsman by his school and local football programme. Tributes also came from Sunderland Football Club supporters and players.
Read the full article at the source →
Originally published by Daily Mail as “Footballer, 17, who died with two other teens after car ploughed through barrier and plunged into River Wear drowned, inquest told”.