Tributes are flowing for a 17-year-old girl and an 18-year-old boy who died in a horrific car crash in South Yorkshire, a tragedy now overshadowed by a staggering police blunder that compounded the families' grief.
A Fatal Collision and a Catastrophic Error
Summer Louise Scott, 17, from Worksop, was driving a Toyota Corolla when it left Todwick Road, near Dinnington, Rotherham, and hit a tree in the early hours of December 13. The collision claimed her life and that of her passenger, 18-year-old Joshua Johnson, while a second passenger, 17-year-old Trevor Wynn, was critically injured.
In a devastating administrative failure, South Yorkshire Police mistakenly informed Joshua Johnson's family that he was the survivor fighting for his life in hospital, while telling Trevor Wynn's family that he had died. This meant the Johnson family spent Christmas maintaining a vigil at the bedside of a boy they believed was their son, only to be told on January 5 that Joshua had, in fact, been pronounced dead at the scene.
Meanwhile, Trevor Wynn's family endured three weeks of mourning, planning his funeral and receiving floral tributes, before being informed he was alive and recovering in hospital.
Families' Heartbreak and Unanswered Questions
The unimaginable error was only uncovered when Trevor regained consciousness on Sunday, January 5. Upon waking, he corrected medical staff who were calling him 'Josh', stating clearly: "I'm Trevor." A friend of Joshua's had also grown suspicious after visiting the hospitalised teen, noticing details in his conversation that did not match Joshua's life.
In a poignant tribute left at the crash scene, Summer Scott's father, Lee, wrote: "Summer mate. You've really rocked my world. Don't worry about a thing. I'm not mad at you... I was so proud of you Summer." Her family described her as "the light of everyone's life" with "a kind-hearted and pure soul".
Joshua's family issued an emotional statement, describing their "loveable, gentle giant" who had a passion for stockcar racing. "What we have been through and are continuing to go through is unimaginable," they said. "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."
Sources revealed the mix-up was compounded by the teenagers' similar appearances and Trevor's significant facial injuries. Trevor's parents had even viewed Joshua's body and accepted it as their son, while Joshua's family, who did not know Trevor, did the same.
Police Referral and Mounting Pressure
The mistake has triggered a major investigation and widespread condemnation. Jake Richards, MP for Rother Valley, said South Yorkshire Police now faces "serious questions" about "how such a failure occurred and what safeguards were not in place to prevent it".
South Yorkshire Police has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). Assistant Chief Constable Colin McFarlane acknowledged the "huge shock" and "additional trauma" caused, offering to meet the parents of both teenagers. He stated the force would cooperate fully to "determine how this happened, and how we can ensure this never happens again".
Following the crash, 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.
