Sunderland AFC and region's mayor send condolences to families of teens who died in River Wear tragedy
“Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragic incident”
Sunderland AFC and some of the city and region’s leading figures have sent their condolences to the families of the three teenagers who tragically lost their lives yesterday (September 29) after a car plunged into the River Wear close to the Wearmouth Bridge.
They have also praised the emergency services who were part of a huge response to locate and rescue the occupants of the vehicle.
In a post on social media, a spokesperson for SAFC said: “Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the tragic incident on the River Wear today.
“At a deeply difficult time for our city, our thoughts are with the families and friends of those who have lost their lives, and everyone affected by this tragedy. We also pay tribute to the emergency services and all those who have responded at the scene.”
The post was followed by a heart emoji.
The club’s chaplain and Sunderland parish priest Father Marc Lyden-Smith added: “Today, I’m afraid that the River Wear is a place of profound sorrow.
“Three young lives have been lost, and another young person is in hospital. We can only imagine the anguish of their families and friends.
“I pray that God will hold those families close in their grief, and that the people of Sunderland will surround them with compassion rather than speculation.
“May the three young people rest in the peace.”
The Bishop of Durham, the Right Reverend Rick Simpson said: “Our thoughts are with everyone impacted by this tragedy in which three young people have lost their lives. We pray for the families of all those affected and for the emergency services who responded at the scene.”
The North East mayor, Kim McGuinness, has also sent her condolences to the families.
In a post on social media she said: “Absolutely devastating news. My love and thoughts are with the families and loved ones of the three teenagers that lost their lives today.
“A huge thank you to the emergency services and everyone involved in the ongoing response to this incident on what can only have been an incredibly hard day.”
Northumbria Police have also confirmed a fourth teenager, a 17-year-old boy, managed to reach safety and has been arrested.