A coroner's court has heard how a 17-year-old boy was incorrectly identified as a victim of a fatal car crash, after police were given a family description and a photo ID card.
Coroner's Court Hears Details of Tragic Error
A hearing at Doncaster Coroner's Court on Thursday, 8 January 2026, was told that Joshua Johnson, 18, died following a collision in Rotherham on December 13. The court learned that police had originally stated that Trevor Wynn, 17, was the male killed in the incident, alongside a 17-year-old girl.
Detective Chief Inspector Andy Knowles of South Yorkshire Police explained that the misidentification came to light when Joshua's father raised concerns over the weekend. This happened as the person he had been told was his son came out of sedation at Rotherham Hospital.
Mr Knowles confirmed that Mr Johnson's identity has now been established "to a high degree of certainty" using dental records.
The Fatal Collision and Aftermath
The officer detailed how the tragedy unfolded. Two teenagers died and another was seriously injured when the silver Toyota Corolla they were travelling in hit a tree on Todwick Road, Rotherham, on 13 December.
In a heartbreaking tribute issued through police, Joshua's family described the unimaginable ordeal of spending "hours in hospital with who we now know to be Trevor". They said they never wanted him to be alone.
The family paid tribute to Joshua as a "loveable, gentle giant" with a passion for stock car racing, a hobby he had enjoyed since he was six weeks old. They spoke of their treasured family holidays and his genuine care for others.
Investigation Launched into Police Process
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 involved.
South Yorkshire Police has referred itself to the IOPC over its identification process following the incident, and an investigation is now underway.
In connection with the crash itself, an 18-year-old arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving has been bailed. A 19-year-old held on suspicion of perverting the course of justice has also been bailed, pending further inquiries.
