A family's world was turned upside down just before Christmas when police informed them their teenage son had been killed in a horrific car crash, only for the boy to wake from a coma weeks later in a shocking case of mistaken identity.
A Tragic Collision and a Devastating Error
South Yorkshire Police responded to a serious single-vehicle collision in the early hours of December 13. The incident involved a silver Toyota Corolla which left the carriageway shortly before 3am. Officers initially confirmed two fatalities from the crash: Joshua Johnson, 18, and the driver, 17-year-old Summer Louise Scott.
In a catastrophic error, police identified a third occupant, 17-year-old Trevor Wynn, as one of the deceased. His heartbroken family was notified of his death and began the agonising process of planning his funeral over the Christmas period, with services expected to be held in early January.
A Christmas Miracle and a Second Family's Anguish
The unimaginable truth emerged 22 days after the collision, when the teenage boy believed to have died woke up in his hospital bed. He was able to tell medical staff his real name: Trevor Wynn.
This revelation meant the identities of the two young men had been tragically confused. While Trevor's family had been mourning, the family of Joshua Johnson had been told their son was the survivor fighting for his life in hospital. In reality, Joshua had died at the scene, leaving both families to endure needless additional trauma during the festive season.
Police Referral and Ongoing Investigation
South Yorkshire Police have referred themselves to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) over the blunder in the identification process following the fatal road traffic collision.
Assistant Chief Constable Colin McFarlane stated: "We have taken the decision to refer ourselves to the Independent Office for Police Conduct to consider our role in the identification processes which were followed." He added that the force recognises "the additional trauma this may cause" to the families involved.
In connection with the crash itself, an 18-year-old was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. A 19-year-old was arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice. Both individuals remain on bail as enquiries continue.
Trevor's family shared the miraculous update on a GoFundMe page originally set up to cover funeral costs, transforming it from a memorial into a story of survival, while the Johnson family faced the devastating confirmation of their loss.
