Family mourns teen after police error in Rotherham crash

Family of Teenager Killed in Car Crash Shares Ordeal

The family of an “loveable, gentle” teenager who died in a car crash has described their “unimaginable” ordeal after police mistakenly informed them he had survived.

Details of the Crash

Joshua Johnson, 18, was killed in a crash on Todwick Road in Rotherham on 13 December, alongside a 17-year-old girl. South Yorkshire Police (SYP) initially identified Trevor Wynn, 17, as the boy who had died and informed his family. Meanwhile, Mr. Johnson was believed to be injured and under sedation in the hospital.

Police Admission and Mix-Up

The police later admitted they referred themselves to the policing watchdog after “information came to light.” This led to further checks. In what has been called an “appalling” mix-up, tests confirmed on Sunday that Mr. Wynn was the teenager receiving treatment in the hospital, and Mr. Johnson was the one who had died.

Family Tribute

Mr. Johnson’s loved ones have paid tribute to the 18-year-old, calling him a “loveable, gentle giant.” In a statement issued through police, his family shared their experience of spending “hours in the hospital with who we now know to be Trevor.”

Family Statement

They said, “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 the hospital with who we now know to be Trevor. We never wanted him to be alone.”

They added, “Neither us nor Josh’s brother can imagine life without him. As we adjust to this new world and begin our journey with grief, we ask that our privacy is respected.”

Memories of Joshua Johnson

Speaking of Mr. Johnson, his family said, “Whilst he was 18 and exploring his independence, he was ever so genuine in his care for others.” They recalled happy family memories made while stock car racing, a passion he had since he was six weeks old.

They expressed gratitude for the support from friends and family during this difficult time.

Police Investigation

Police previously stated that an 18-year-old was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. A 19-year-old was held on suspicion of perverting the course of justice. Both have been bailed pending further inquiries.

The force has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) regarding its identification process after the incident.

Police Response

Assistant Chief Constable Colin McFarlane vowed to ensure such an incident does not happen again. He stated, “This has obviously come as a huge shock to everyone, and we recognize the additional trauma this may cause.” He offered to meet with both sets of parents to address their questions.

Community Concerns

Jake Richards, MP for Rother Valley, expressed concern over the situation. He said, “This is an appalling situation for the families involved. To be wrongly informed about the death or survival of a loved one is unimaginably distressing.” He emphasized that “serious questions must be answered about how such a failure occurred.”