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<\/p>\nFootball fans have paid tribute to three teenagers who died after their car entered a river.<\/p>\n
Jackson Duke, 17, Luke Etheridge and Zara Shaw, both 16, were in a black Audi A3 that came off the road at Panns Bank near Wearmouth Bridge, Sunderland, and plunged into the water on 29 September.<\/p>\n
Football fans at the Sunderland v Brighton match held a minute’s applause for the teenagers before kick-off, whilst photos of the trio were displayed at the Stadium of Light.<\/p>\n
Sunderland and Brighton players stood in a circle during the tribute, and Sunderland players also wore black armbands during the match.<\/p>\n
Jackson and Luke were from Sunderland, and Zara was from Houghton-le-Spring, a town about seven miles (11km) from the city.<\/p>\n
All were students at Sunderland College.<\/p>\n
Northumbria Police said there were four people inside the car at the time and a 17-year-old boy, who managed to reach safety, had been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.<\/p>\n
He has since been released on bail pending further inquiries.<\/p>\n
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A minute’s applause was held before Sunderland v Brighton, and Sunderland players wore black armbands in memory of the teenagers [Reuters]<\/p>\n
In a social media post made before the game, Foundation of Light – Sunderland AFC’s charity – said it was “deeply saddened” by the death of Jackson, who was part of its scholarship programme.<\/p>\n
On Wednesday, the teenager’s teammates and staff at the charity held their own minute’s silence ahead of their fixture.<\/p>\n
“Our thoughts remain with Jackson’s family, friends, team mates and everyone affected by this heartbreaking tragedy,” the charity said.<\/p>\n
Luke’s family described him as Sunderland’s “number one fan”.<\/p>\n
“He always knew the most up-to-date Sunderland football news and shared it with us immediately,” they said in a statement last week<\/a>.<\/p>\n Zara’s family said she had a “zest for life” and an “infectious laugh and smile”, making her family proud “from day one”.<\/p>\n Follow BBC Sunderland on X<\/a>, Facebook<\/a>, Nextdoor<\/a> and Instagram<\/a> and listen on BBC Sounds<\/a>.<\/p>\n More on this story