Family’s ‘unimaginable ache’ as cops mistakenly establish mistaken physique after horror crash
Joshua Johnson’s family thought they were keeping vigil at his hospital bedside after police mistakenly identified the wrong victim of a horror crash in Rotherham
The family of a teenager who tragically died in a car crash, but was wrongly identified as another who had survived have spoke of their “unimaginable” ordeal. Joshua Johnson, 18, lost his life following a collision on Todwick Road, Rotherham, on December 13.
Initially, police identified the victim as 17- year-old Trevor Wynn, along with a teenage girl who also sadly died in the collision. South Yorkshire Police (SYP) has since referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) over its identification process after the crash.
Initially, South Yorkshire Police stated that Mr Johnson was under sedation in hospital, but on Sunday, new “information came to light” which prompted further checks, including forensic testing.
As a result, it was revealed that the deceased teenager was actually Mr Johnson and Mr Wynn was the one receiving treatment in hospital.
In a heartfelt tribute released via the police, Mr Johnson’s family said: “Josh was our first born – a loveable, gentle giant.
“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.
“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, and as we adjust to this new world and only just begin our journey with grief, we ask that our privacy is respected.”
South Yorkshire Police’s Assistant Chief Constable Colin McFarlane said at the time of the discovery: “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. I have also offered to meet with both sets of parents as I am sure they will have many questions, most of which we are not able to answer yet but we are absolutely committed to understanding how this happened so it cannot happen again.
“We have taken the decision to refer ourselves to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) to consider our role in the identification processes which were followed following the road traffic collision. We will co-operate fully with any subsequent investigation and will be led by the IOPC on the next steps to determine how this happened, and how we can ensure this never happens again in the future.”
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.
