Sunderland fans have paid tribute to three teenagers who died last month when their car plunged into the River Wear.
Zara Shaw and Luke Etheridge, both 16, and Jackson Duke, 17, died when the vehicle went into the water near Wearmouth Bridge in Sunderland last Tuesday.
And the youngsters were remembered in a minute of applause before Sunderland took on Brighton at the Stadium of Light on Saturday (October 10).
Remembering Jackson, Luke and Zara ❤️ https://t.co/yapMt31KTx
— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) October 10, 2026
Sunderland players wore black armbands during the match and stood around the centre circle during the applause, while pre-match programme Red and White also paid tribute to the teens.
The programme note read: “Before kick-off, we will remember Jackson Duke, aged 17, and Luke Etheridge and Zara Shaw, both aged 16, who sadly lost their lives in the River Wear tragedy last week.
"Our thoughts remain with their families, friends and everyone affected.
Scene of the incident (Image: NORTH NEWS)
“Today, our players will wear black armbands and supporters will be invited to join us in a minute’s applause in their memory. May they rest in peace.”
Luke, who has been described as Sunderland’s “number one fan”, has since been remembered by his family as a “loving, kind, caring, funny, and handsome boy.
“He was so friendly and polite and loved our dog Wilf, shopping for clothes, watching and playing football,” his family previously said.
“He always knew the most up-to-date Sunderland football news and shared it with us immediately. Sunderland will miss its number one fan.”
Zara, from Houghton-le-Spring, was described as having a “zest for life”.
Scene of the incident (Image: NORTH NEWS)
Her family said: “Zara, you came into this world with a fight, and we know you left it doing the same.
“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 lifetime friends.”
Northumbria Police first received reports that a black Audi A3 had careered off the road before entering the water shortly before 1.30pm on September 29.
A 17-year-old boy who was also in the car “reached safety” and sustained non-serious injuries.
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He was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, and has since been released on bail pending further inquiries.
Police have said investigations into what led up to the car entering the water, and to establish who was driving at the time, are ongoing, but no other vehicles are believed to have been involved.
Anyone with information, or CCTV or dashcam footage of the incident, is asked to contact the force quoting reference number NP-20260929-0589.