A serious error by South Yorkshire Police meant one family was wrongly informed their son had died, while another spent weeks at the bedside of a stranger, a coroner's hearing has been told.
The Tragic Collision and Initial Mistake
The incident began on December 13 when a silver Toyota Corolla hit a tree on Todwick Road in Rotherham. The crash resulted in two fatalities and one serious injury.
Initially, police identified the male victim as 17-year-old Trevor Wynn. This identification was reportedly made after an officer was given a description and a photo ID card by a family. Based on this, the family of Joshua Johnson, 18, were told he had died.
A Harrowing Discovery at the Hospital
The devastating mistake only came to light this past weekend when Joshua Johnson's father raised concerns. The person he had been visiting at Rotherham Hospital, believing him to be his son, came out of sedation.
Detective Chief Inspector Andy Knowles told Doncaster Coroner's Court that Joshua Johnson's identity has now been confirmed "to a high degree of certainty" using dental records. The female victim was a 17-year-old girl.
In a heartfelt tribute issued through police, Joshua's family revealed the extent of their ordeal, stating they had spent "hours in hospital with who we now know to be Trevor." They described Joshua as a "loveable, gentle giant" with a passion for stock car racing.
Investigation and Ongoing Impact
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), stated it was "clear something has gone very wrong", leading to "awful consequences" for both families. South Yorkshire Police has referred itself to the IOPC over its identification process.
In the wake of the crash, an 18-year-old was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and a 19-year-old was held on suspicion of perverting the course of justice. Both have been bailed pending further inquiries.
The case highlights a profound procedural failure, leaving two families to navigate an unimaginable situation of grief and mistaken identity.
