Tributes paid to 16-year-old Zara Shaw killed in River Wear car plunge, as family speaks of 'worst time of our lives'
Zara Shaw was one of the three teens killed when the car they were in drove into the River Wear on Tuesday.
The family of a 16-year-old girl who died when a car plunged into a river in Sunderland, have paid tribute to their “beautiful girl”, who“had a zest for life, and life loved you.”
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Zara Shaw was one of the three teens killed when the car they were in drove into the River Wear on Tuesday.
Jackson Duke, 17, and Luke Etheridge, both 16, were also killed when the Audi A3 drove into the water near Wearmouth Bridge at around 1.30pm.
Jackson and Luke were from the Sunderland area, while Zara was from Houghton-le-Spring, according to Northumbria Police.
Zara’s family said she “came 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. Created as a companion for your sister, Olivia, who loves you deeply and unconditionally."
Read more: Three teenagers killed in River Wear car plunge named by police
Read more: Tributes for three teenagers killed in River Wear car plunge - as 17-year-old arrested
The statement went on: "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.
The family thanked everyone who had been in Zara’s life “from the bottom of our hearts,” adding: “You made her what she became.”
“At the worst time of our lives we thank each and every one of you for kindness and good wishes.
They described being “humbled and grateful”, sending Zara a final tribute: A tragedy has taken you but our memories remain blessed with having you as our daughter. Rest safe our beautiful girl, Zara.”
It comes after Northumbria Police said a 17-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. The bodies of two teenage boys and a teenage girl were recovered from the water later.
Sunderland College said the three who died were students at its Bede Campus.
In a statement shared on social media, the college said: “We are deeply saddened to hear three students from our Bede Campus tragically lost their lives yesterday afternoon.
“This is a heartbreaking loss for our college community, and the wider city of Sunderland.
“Everyone at Sunderland College extends our heartfelt thoughts and deepest condolences to their families, friends, and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time.
“We also pay tribute to the emergency services and all those who responded at the scene.
“Support is available to any students or our colleagues who may be affected by this tragedy and ask that the privacy of the families of those involved is respected.”
Read More: Three teenagers dead after car ploughs through barrier into River Wear
Police carried out a painstaking operation to recover the black Audi on Wednesday.
Northumbria Police said four people were in the hatchback when it was thought to have gone through a barrier and into the water at Panns Bank.
A 17-year-old managed to reach safety and was initially treated in hospital.
On Wednesday, police clarified that he was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
Inquiries remained ongoing to establish who was driving at the time.
Chief Superintendent Scott Cowie, area commander for Sunderland, said: “Our thoughts very much continue to be with the loved ones of those who have tragically lost their lives.
“We will support them in any way that we can at this devastating time and ask that their privacy is respected.
“We also recognise the impact this tragedy will have on the wider community, and know that everyone will come together to support one another.”
He added: “The investigation into the circumstances leading to the car entering the water remains ongoing.
“We would continue to ask members of the public not to speculate about the incident both on social media and in the community.
“In doing so, please be mindful of the potential impact such commentary could have on the families of those involved in this incident.”
The operation to recover the car involved police divers entering the river and attaching a harness to the hatchback which was then lifted using a crane.
Shortly after 1pm on Wednesday, the car began to emerge from the river, upside down and showing damage to its front bumper and windscreen.
A wide police cordon was held around the scene.
Water cascaded from the Audi as it was held in mid-air during the recovery, which coincided with low tide.
The vehicle was placed back on dry land, on its roof, less than 24 hours after it entered the river.
The operation brought onlookers to the riverside downstream from the Wearmouth Bridge.
Earlier, people threw bunches of flowers into the Wear close to the scene.
Last week, police chiefs warned that more than 23,000 people have been killed or seriously injured involving a driver aged 17 to 24 in the past five years.
Analysis of figures from the Department of Transport between 2021 and 2025 shows that the accidents included 7,500 crashes where the driver was in that age bracket, 4,000 who were passengers being driven by a young driver, and 11,600 other road users including pedestrians and people in other cars.
Around a fifth of all road accidents that end with death or serious injury involve young drivers, defined as those aged 17 to 24.