Family pays tribute to girl who died in River Wear

The family of a 16-year-old girl, who died when the car she was in ended up in a river has paid tribute to their "beautiful girl".

Sixteen-year-olds Luke Etheridge and Zara Shaw died along with Jackson Duke, 17, when the black Audi A3 they were in came off the road at Panns Bank near Wearmouth Bridge, Sunderland, and plunged into the Wear just before 13:30 BST on Tuesday.

Zara's family said she made them proud "from day one" and had an "infectious laugh and smile".

Plains Farm Youth and Community Centre, where Luke was a member, said he left a "lasting impression" on those around him, while Hebburn Town FC, where Jackson played in the U18s team, said his loss would be "deeply felt".

Jackson and Luke were from Sunderland and Zara was from Newbottle, a village about six miles (9km) from the city. All were students at Sunderland College.

Zara's family said she had "come into this world with a fight, and we know you left it doing the same".

"You had a zest for life and life loved you," a tribute said.

"Created as a companion for your sister, Olivia, who loves you deeply and unconditionally. You made us proud from day one, you studied and learnt new skills and made life time friends.

"Having fun along the way with your dance videos, infectious laugh and smile, you have always been our beloved daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, cousin, girlfriend and best friend.

"To everyone who has been in Zara's life we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. You made her what she became."

Previously Christ's College, in Sunderland, where Zara studied from the age of four through to 16 before leaving in the summer, said she had been a "kind and loyal student with a close-knit circle of friends".

"She maintained strong and positive relationships with her peers and her teachers, she worked hard in school and staff described Zara as a delight to teach," the school said in a tribute on Facebook.

Zara was also a former student at The Drama Lab in Sunderland, which said it was "deeply saddened".

"Our heartfelt condolences go to Zara's family and loved ones, and to the parents and families of all those affected," it said.

"Our thoughts are with everyone grieving at this incredibly difficult time."

Luke's former football club Humbledon & Plains Farm YFC also paid tribute, saying the teenager was "much loved" and "very much part of a successful squad including promotions and goals".

He also played in Seaham Red Star Football Club Youth Section's U17 team and had been "part of a group that kept the team from folding".

"Always a Star Luke. Words will never ever encompass what you brought to anyone you came in contact with," the club wrote on Facebook.

"Aside from football this boy was just a tremendous, rounded young lad, with the world in front of him."

In a tribute posted on Facebook, Plains Farm Youth and Community Centre said: "Luke was such a bright, energetic and positive young person, with a personality that could light up any room.

"He had a wonderful way of bringing his energy to everyone he met and leaving a lasting impression on those around him."

He would be missed "more than words can say", it added.

Jackson played for Hebburn Town Juniors and the club's U18s team.

A minute's silence will be held ahead of their game in the FA Youth Cup on Thursday evening.

"Jackson was part of our football family, and his loss will be deeply felt by his teammates, coaches, friends and everyone across our club who knew him," the club said.

A spokesperson for Sunderland College previously said they were "deeply saddened" by the deaths of three of their students.

A 17-year-old boy who was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving has since been released on bail.

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