‘Something has gone very fallacious’ after cops combine up which boy was killed in crash
Crash victim, Joshua Johnson’s family thought they were keeping vigil at his bedside, but it was Trevor Wynn who had survived – his family had been told by police that he’d died
A police watchdog has stated that it’s “clear something has gone very wrong” after a tragic mix-up led to police misidentifying two teenagers involved in a car crash. The “unimaginable” error resulted in the incorrect family being informed of a death.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct said the mistake had had “awful consequences” for the two families as it confirmed an investigation had started. Joshua Johnson, 18, lost his life following the collision on Todwick Road, Rotherham, on December 13.
But South Yorkshire Police initially identified 17- year-old Trevor Wynn as the deceased and delivered the heartbreaking news to his family. Joshua Johnson was believed to be another injured individual who was under sedation in hospital.
However, on Sunday, new “information came to light” prompting further checks. Tests then confirmed that it was actually Mr Wynn who was in hospital receiving treatment, while Mr Johnson was the one who had sadly passed away.
A 17-year-old girl also tragically died in the crash.
On Thursday, the IOPC announced it had launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the misidentification.
The watchdog revealed it was notified by South Yorkshire Police on Tuesday that they had initially wrongly informed the family of the 17-year-old boy that he had died, and told Joshua Johnson’s family that he was sedated in hospital.
A spokesperson added: “We have now begun an independent investigation, which will look at the actions and decision-making of police involved in the identification process.”
Emily Barry, director of the IOPC, said: “My sincere condolences and thoughts go out to all those involved. It’s hard to imagine what these families have been through in the past few weeks.
“It is clear something has gone very wrong with awful consequences for them.
“We understand the concern about this incident and it is vital that we carry out a thorough investigation, independently of the police, to establish exactly how and why this happened.
“We will carefully examine the circumstances regarding the identification of individuals following the collision, including what policies and procedures were in place, and whether they were followed appropriately, to determine the facts and identify any learning arising from this tragic situation.”
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.
