A 16-year-old girl has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving following a crash near Panns Bank, Northumbria Police said. The incident occurred shortly before 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday when a black Audi A3 left the road and entered the water.
Three passengers were in the vehicle at the time. Luke Etheridge, 17, tragically died in the crash, while a 17-year-old boy escaped with non-serious injuries. The teenager charged, identified as Zara, is from Houghton-le-Spring, Tyne and Wear, while Luke and the other boy are from the Sunderland area.
Police arrested the 17-year-old boy on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, but he has since been released on bail as investigations continue into the events leading up to the incident. Authorities are also working to determine who was driving the car at the time of the crash.
Northumbria Police emphasized that no other vehicles appeared to be involved and appealed to the public for any CCTV, dashcam footage, or other information that could assist in their inquiry.
In a statement, Luke Etheridge’s family described him as a “funny and handsome boy” whose loss has left their “hearts aching forever.” They also expressed pride in Zara, saying she made them proud despite the tragic circumstances.
The investigation remains ongoing.