“HE HAD SO MUCH LEFT TO GIVE”: JACKSON DUKE, 17, REMEMBERED AS A MUCH-LOVED FOOTBALLER AFTER RIVER WEAR TRAGEDY

The Hebburn Town Juniors player was one of three teenagers who died after a car entered the River Wear in Sunderland. As teammates, coaches and friends mourn the loss, tributes are highlighting the young footballer behind the headlines.

At 17, Jackson Duke had so much of his life ahead of him.

A young footballer with Hebburn Town Juniors, Jackson was part of the club’s Under-18s team, surrounded by teammates and coaches who shared his passion for the game. Like so many young players, he had dreams to pursue, goals to celebrate and countless memories still waiting to be made.

But those possibilities were cut short by a tragedy that has left Sunderland’s football community grieving.

Jackson was one of three teenagers who died after a black Audi A3 entered the River Wear near Wearmouth Bridge in Sunderland on September 29, 2026. The other two victims were Luke Etheridge, 16, and Zara Shaw, 16.

A young player remembered by his football family

Following Jackson’s death, Hebburn Town Juniors FC paid tribute to the teenager, describing him as a much-loved member of the club.

In its statement, the club said Jackson was part of its football family and that his loss would be deeply felt by his teammates, coaches, friends and everyone across the club who knew him.

The tribute reflected the close bonds formed through youth football, where players develop not only their skills on the pitch but also friendships and a sense of belonging.

For those who trained and played alongside Jackson, his absence means more than the loss of a teammate. It means the loss of someone who was part of their everyday football lives.

The club also asked for privacy and urged people to respect those affected as they came to terms with the news.

What happened near Wearmouth Bridge?

Northumbria Police said they received reports shortly before 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 29, that a black Audi A3 had left the road at Panns Bank, near Wearmouth Bridge, and entered the River Wear.

Four people had been in the car.

Jackson, Luke and Zara were later confirmed to have died. The fourth occupant, a 17-year-old boy, managed to reach safety and sustained injuries described by police as non-serious.

Emergency services attended the scene, and recovery operations followed as investigators began examining the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Police said no other vehicles were believed to have been involved.

A 17-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and subsequently released on bail pending further enquiries.

However, authorities stressed that investigations were continuing to establish who was driving the car when it entered the water. No conclusion about responsibility should be drawn before those enquiries are complete.

Three young lives lost

Jackson’s death was part of a tragedy that devastated three families and affected the wider Sunderland community.

Luke Etheridge, 16, was remembered by his family as loving, kind, caring, funny and handsome. A passionate Sunderland supporter, he loved football, spending time with his friends and family, and being with his dog, Wilf.

His family said their hearts would ache forever and described him as a central part of their lives.

Zara Shaw, also 16, was remembered by her family as a beautiful girl with an infectious laugh and smile. They described her enthusiasm for life, her friendships and the close bond she shared with her sister, Olivia.

Her family expressed gratitude to those who had supported them and praised the emergency services for treating Zara with care and compassion.

All three teenagers had futures full of possibilities. Their deaths have brought grief not only to their relatives and friends but also to the schools, college and sporting communities of which they were part.

A community asks for compassion

As tributes continue, Northumbria Police have asked the public not to speculate about the incident or circulate commentary that could cause further distress to the families.

Investigators have appealed for anyone with relevant information, CCTV or dashcam footage to come forward.

The appeal highlights the importance of allowing the investigation to establish what happened while giving the families space to grieve.

For Jackson’s teammates, the football pitch will now carry memories of a young player whose time with them was far too short.

The matches will continue, but his place in the club’s football family will not be forgotten.

Jackson Duke was more than a name in a news report. He was a son, a friend, a teammate and a young footballer whose future held so much promise.

Gone too soon, Jackson. Forever part of the team.