South Yorkshire Police has launched an urgent investigation and referred itself to the police watchdog after officers mistakenly told a family their teenage son had been killed in a serious road collision.
A Tragic Case of Mistaken Identity
The devastating error occurred following a serious crash on Todwick Road in Rotherham on December 13. Initially, police believed that 17-year-old Trevor Wynn had died in the collision alongside a 17-year-old girl, and informed his family accordingly.
They also informed another family that 18-year-old Joshua Johnson was the injured survivor receiving treatment in hospital under sedation. However, on Sunday, January 4, new information emerged prompting further forensic checks.
Forensic Tests Reveal the Truth
These subsequent tests confirmed a heartbreaking reversal of identities. Trevor Wynn was in fact the young person alive in hospital, while Joshua Johnson was the victim who had died.
Assistant Chief Constable Colin McFarlane stated: "This has obviously come as a huge shock to everyone and we recognise the additional trauma this may cause." He confirmed the force is supporting all families involved and has engaged specialist agencies to provide help.
Investigation and Arrests
The force has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) over the identification processes followed after the collision. ACC McFarlane added: "We are absolutely committed to understanding how this happened so it cannot happen again."
In connection with the crash itself, police 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.
The force concluded its statement by saying all those involved have asked to be left in peace to process the future they now face.
