Family of teenage victim misidentified by police after fatal Yorkshire car crash speak of ‘unimaginable’ ordeal | Yorkshire
The family of a teenager who died in a car crash in Yorkshire and was mistakenly identified by police as another boy have spoken of their “unimaginable” ordeal.
Joshua Johnson, 18, died following the collision near Rotherham in the early hours of December 13.
South Yorkshire police (SYP) first identified 17-year-old Trevor Wynn as the victim, along with 17-year-old Summer Louise Scott, who also died in the collision on Todwick Road, and Wynn’s family were notified.
Joshua Johnson, 18, was thought to be the identity of another casualty who was being sedated at the hospital.
But SYP said in a statement on Sunday that “information had come to light” which led to further checks and tests confirmed that Wynn was being treated in hospital and that it was Johnson who was killed in the collision between Dinnington and Todwick.
In a tribute released through police, Johnson’s family described him as a “lovable, gentle giant” and said they “spent hours in hospital with the person we now know to be Trevor.”
The memorial text read: “What we have experienced and continue to experience is unimaginable.
“From the moment we were told of the collision in December, we and many of our loved ones spent hours in the hospital with the person we now know to be Trevor.
“We never wanted him to be alone.
“Only those with whom we shared this time could understand how this took so long.
“Neither we nor Josh’s brother can imagine life without him, and we ask that our privacy be respected as we try to adapt to this new world and begin our journey with nothing but grief.”
The force referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct regarding the identification process following the incident.
Johnson’s family added: “At 18 and discovering his independence, he was more sincere than ever in his care for others – us, his brother, his grandparents, his extended family and his many friends.
“Many of our happiest family memories were created while stock car racing.
“As new parents, we took Josh to his first car meet when he was just six weeks old and he has been passionate about it ever since.”
Police had previously announced that an 18-year-old young man was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, and a 19-year-old young man was arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice.
Both were released on bail pending further investigation.
