An 18-year-old, Joshua Johnson, died in a Rotherham car crash on 13 December after police initially misidentified him as surviving
Tributes Paid to Teenager Who Died in Car Crash
Tributes have been paid to a teenager who died in a car crash after police informed his family he survived.
Joshua Johnson’s family described their experience as “unimaginable.” The 18-year-old died following a collision in Rotherham on 13 December.
South Yorkshire Police (SYP) has referred itself to the police watchdog after initially identifying the victim as 17-year-old Trevor Wynn. A teenage girl was also killed in the collision.
SYP first stated Mr. Johnson was under sedation in the hospital. However, on Sunday, “information came to light” that prompted further checks, including forensic testing.
It was then revealed that the deceased teenager was Mr. Johnson, while Mr. Wynn was receiving treatment in the hospital.
In a tribute released via police, Mr. Johnson’s family said, “What we have been through and are continuing to go through is unimaginable.”
They added, “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. Only those we shared this time with could understand how this went on for so long.”
Mr. Johnson’s family described him as “a loveable, gentle giant.” They noted, “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.”
| Date | Event | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 13 December | Car Collision | Joshua Johnson died in Rotherham |
| Sunday | Identification Update | Revealed Joshua Johnson was deceased, Trevor Wynn was alive |
