(Image: NORTHUMBRIA POLICE)
A school has paid tribute to Zara Shaw, one of three teenagers who died after a car entered the River Wear in Sunderland.
Christ's College in Sunderland said it was "deeply saddened" by the loss of 16-year-old Zara, who attended the school from the age of four until leaving this summer.
The school described Zara as a "much loved member of the school family".
Jackson Duke, 17, and Luke Etheridge and Zara Shaw, both aged 16, were all in the car at that time. (Image: SOCIAL MEDIA)
A spokesperson said: "Christ's College is deeply saddened to learn of the tragic death of former student Zara Shaw, who was a much loved member of the school family.
"Zara was 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 offered its condolences to everyone affected by the tragedy.
It added: "Everyone in the school community sends their deepest condolences to the families, friends and loved ones of all three young people who lost their lives in this heartbreaking incident."
Support is available to students, staff and families affected by the tragedy.
The tribute concluded with a verse from Psalm 23:4: "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me."
The Drama Lab, a drama school which Zara used to attend also released a tribute to her.
It read: "We are deeply saddened to hear of the tragic passing of our former student, Zara Shaw.
"Our heartfelt condolences go to Zara’s family and loved ones, and to the parents and families of all those affected by this devastating accident.
"Our thoughts are with everyone grieving at this incredibly difficult time."
Zara, from Houghton-le-Spring, died alongside Jackson Duke, 17, and Luke Etheridge, 16, after a black Audi A3 left the road at Panns Bank near Wearmouth Bridge and entered the river shortly before 1.30pm on Tuesday.
Scene of the incident. (Image: PROVIDED)
Another 17-year-old occupant escaped the car with non-serious injuries.
He was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
Northumbria Police said enquiries were continuing to establish who was driving when the car entered the water.
The force said the investigation was continuing and urged people not to speculate.
Chief Superintendent Scott Cowie said the deaths had caused the families “unimaginable agony and heartbreak”.
Chief Superintendent Scott Cowie of Northumbria Police. (Image: NORTH NEWS & PICTURES LTD)
He said: “First and foremost, our thoughts remain with the family and friends of the teenagers who have tragically lost their lives.
“The last 24 hours have brought unimaginable agony and heartbreak for the loved ones of Luke, Jackson and Zara.
“All three had their whole futures ahead of them and will be hugely missed.
“I know the wider community will want to join me in offering their families our heartfelt condolences at this devastating time.
“We will do everything we can to support them and continue to ask that their privacy is respected.
“We also recognise the impact that this tragedy has had upon the people of Sunderland and further afield, and know that you will continue to be there for one another.”
He added: “The investigation into how the car entered the water remains ongoing.
“We continue to ask the public not to speculate about the incident on social media or 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.”
Police, coastguard crews, lifeboats, firefighters, ambulance teams and a search-and-rescue helicopter spent the afternoon working on the Wear.
Witnesses saw large numbers of emergency vehicles on both sides of the river as RNLI lifeboats searched the water.
A coastguard helicopter and air ambulance were also involved in the operation.
Following the tragedy, Sunderland College said it was "deeply saddened" and is offering support to staff and students.
A spokesperson 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.
Read more
Three teenagers who tragically died when Audi plunged into River Wear named
College 'deeply saddened' after three pupils died when car plunged into river
Three teens killed after car plunges into River Wear as 17-year-old arrested
"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."
Police are appealing for anyone with information, CCTV or dashcam footage to come forward.
The Audi was recovered from the river on Wednesday after police divers attached a harness to the car and it was lifted out by crane.