The family of a teenager killed in a car crash have spoken of their 'unimaginable' suffering after police mistakenly informed them he had survived the collision.
A Tragic Case of Mistaken Identity
South Yorkshire Police initially reported that Joshua Johnson, 18, was seriously injured in the crash in Rotherham on December 13. They stated that the two deceased victims were Trevor 'TJ' Wynn and Summer Louise Scott, both 17.
However, in a devastating update issued on Sunday, the force revealed that 'information came to light' confirming Joshua had, in fact, died alongside Louise. The teenager recovering in hospital was Trevor.
'We Never Wanted Him to Be Alone'
In a poignant statement, Joshua's family described the profound distress caused by the error. '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,' they said.
'We never wanted him to be alone. Only those we shared this time with could understand how this went on for so long.'
They paid tribute to their 'first born – a loveable, gentle giant' who was 'ever so genuine in his care for others'. The family shared cherished memories of stock car racing, a passion Joshua developed from just six weeks old, which built a wide circle of friends who have offered support.
'What we have been through and are continuing to go through is unimaginable,' the statement continued. 'Neither us nor Josh’s brother can imagine life without him, and as we adjust to this new world... we ask that our privacy is respected.'
Police Referral and Ongoing Support
South Yorkshire Police has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) over its identification process following the incident. Assistant Chief Constable Colin McFarlane acknowledged the error had caused 'additional trauma'.
'This has obviously come as a huge shock to everyone,' he stated. 'We are supporting Trevor and all the families through this and have engaged specialist agencies to help provide that support.'
ACC McFarlane has offered to meet the parents, adding the force is 'absolutely committed to understanding how this happened so it cannot happen again.'
In connection with the fatal crash in Rotherham, police previously confirmed an 18-year-old man 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 released on bail pending further inquiries.
