The family of a teenager who died in a car crash but was mistakenly identified as another boy who had survived the incident have said they have been through an “unimaginable” ordeal.
Joshua Johnson, 18, died following a collision on Todwick Road, Rotherham, on 13 December.
South Yorkshire Police (SYP) wrongly identified another passenger, 17-year-old Trevor Wynn, as the victim alongside a 17-year-old girl who was also killed in the collision. Mr Wynn’s family were informed of his apparent death.
Johnson’s family have released a statement
Wynn was under sedation – and not allowed to receive visitors – in an Intensive Care Unit when he was incorrectly identified as Johnson. The mix-up only emerged on Sunday 4 January that the teenager who had lost his life in the collision was, in fact, Johnson.
It is believed the error was discovered when Wynn, who is now recovering, woke from a coma and told doctors his identity.
The MP for Rother Valley, Jake Richards, said he was “shocked and saddened” by the statement released by South Yorkshire Police.
“This is an appalling situation for the families involved,” he said.
‘Loveable, gentle giant’
In a tribute issued through police, Johnson’s family described him as a “loveable, gentle giant” and said they had spent “hours in hospital with who we now know to be Trevor”.
The tribute read: “What we have been through and are continuing to go through is unimaginable.
“From the moment we were told about the collision in December, ourselves and many loved ones have spent hours in hospital with who we now know to be Trevor.
“We never wanted him to be alone. Only those we shared this time with could understand how this went on for so long.
“Neither us nor Josh’s brother can imagine life without him.”
Of Mr Johnson, his family added: “Whilst he was 18 and exploring his independence, he was ever so genuine in his care for others – us, his brother, his grandparents, his extended family, and his many friends.
“Many of our happiest family memories were made whilst stock car racing.
“As new parents, we took Josh to his first stock car meeting at just six weeks old and he’s had a passion for this ever since.
“Through stock car racing, we’ve built a massive circle of friends and we are so very thankful for the support they and others have shown us in the last few weeks and days.
“We will treasure our holidays as a family and with friends – we explored the world together and this was something that Josh loved.”
‘It has been heartbreaking for them’
Known as TJ, Trevor is a student at North Notts College, with flowers had been laid for him at Valley Young People’s Centre in Worksop.
A GoFundMe page has raised £1,000 in donations, which were supposed to be used to help pay for the funeral, will now be used to aid his recovery.
Trevor Wynn is believed to have revealed the mix-up when he woke from a coma. (SWNS)
Jonathan Stoner, 31, a friend of the family, said: “It has been heartbreaking for them.
“The doctors asked him questions like what his name is. That’s when he told him his full name and date of birth.
“The police then picked up his mum, Charlotte, who then drove her to the hospital and confirmed it was, in fact, Trevor. They have no idea how it has all come to happen.”
The force has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) over its identification process following the incident.
Families of both teenagers have been offered the support of specialist services.
The force said at the time of the crash that a silver Toyota Corolla was travelling away from Dinnington, South Yorkshire, when it left the carriageway.
Assistant Chief Constable Colin McFarlane acknowledged that the mistake had added “additional trauma”.
South Yorkshire Police (SYP) wrongly told relatives that Trevor Wynn that he had been killed in the crash in Rotherham, South Yorkshire. (SWNS).
He said: “This has obviously come as a huge shock to everyone and we recognise the additional trauma this may cause.
“We are supporting Trevor and all the families through this and have engaged specialist agencies to help provide that support.”
Following the collision an 18-year-old was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, and a 19-year-old was arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice.
Both remain on bail pending further enquiries.
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