THREE teens who died while trapped in a car that had plunged into a river likely drowned, an inquest heard today.
Jackson Duke, 17, Luke Etheridge and Zara Shaw, both aged 16, were killed when an Audi A3 ploughed through a barrier into the River Wear.
A fourth teen – a 17-year-old boy – managed to escape the submerged car following the horror in Sunderland on September 29.
He was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving but has been released on bail pending further inquiries.
Separate inquest openings heard today how told police were called to the Panns Bank area of Sunderland following reports that four people had gone into the Wear.
Coroner’s Officer Vicky Ross said one of the occupants had “self-extricated” but the other three “tragically could not”.
They were later located by divers still in the Audi, the court was told.
Ms Ross said: “The circumstances surrounding the incident are subject to an ongoing investigation by Northumbria Police.”
In all three cases, the provisional cause of death indicated by a post-mortem was “consistent with drowning”.
Proceedings were adjourned until January 21 as the teens’ deaths are “still subject to a police investigation”.
It comes after football fans led a minutes applause for the tragic friends at Sunderland’s clash against Brighton on Saturday.
Sunderland players were also spotted wearing black armbands during the match.
A note at the start of Sunderland’s pre-match programme said: “”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. 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.”