Northumbria Police have officially named the three teenagers who died after the vehicle they were travelling in entered the River Wear in Sunderland.
The identities of the victims were confirmed on Wednesday, 30 September 2026, following a major recovery operation. The car was found in the water earlier this week, leading to a significant emergency services presence in the city centre.
Specialist family liaison officers are currently supporting the families of the three teenagers. The force has requested that the privacy of the bereaved families be respected as they receive this support.
Investigation and Police Appeal
An investigation into the circumstances of the incident is ongoing. Northumbria Police are leading the enquiries to establish the exact sequence of events that led to the car entering the river, particularly focusing on the area around Panns Bank.
As part of the investigation, officers are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward. Investigators are especially interested in speaking with motorists who were in the vicinity at the time and may have captured dashcam footage of the vehicle or the incident itself.
According to ITV News, the vehicle was recovered from the River Wear following a complex operation by emergency teams.
Anyone who can assist the police is asked to get in touch via the ‘Tell Us Something’ page on the Northumbria Police website. Alternatively, members of the public can contact the force by calling 101.