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Teenager most likely drowned after car entered River Wear in Sunderland, inquest hears
Overview
An inquest at Sunderland Coroner's Court has heard that 17-year-old Jackson Duke most likely drowned when a black Audi A3 plunged into the River Wear. Jackson and two other teenagers, Luke Etheridge and Zara Shaw (both 16), died in the incident on 29 September. A fourth occupant managed to escape and has been bailed after being arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
Key points
- Jackson Duke, 17, and 16-year-olds Luke Etheridge and Zara Shaw died when a black Audi A3 entered the River Wear in Sunderland on 29 September.
- A post-mortem examination concluded that Jackson's provisional cause of death was consistent with drowning.
- One of the car's four occupants managed to escape safely and has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
- The teenagers were all students at Sunderland College.
- Inquests for Luke Etheridge and Zara Shaw are scheduled to open later, and a review hearing for Jackson's death has been listed for 21 January 2027.