The family of a teenager who died in a car crash in Yorkshire and was mistakenly identified as another boy by police have spoken of their “unimaginable” ordeal.
Joshua Johnson, 18, died after a collision near Rotherham in the early hours of 13 December.
South Yorkshire police initially identified Trevor Wynn, 17, as the victim alongside Summer Louise Scott, 17, who was also killed in the collision on Todwick Road and Wynn’s family were informed.
Joshua Johnson, 18, was thought to be the identity of another injured person who was under sedation in hospital.
But the police said on Sunday “information came to light” that led to further checks taking place and tests confirmed that Wynn was in hospital receiving treatment and Johnson was the person who died in the collision between Dinnington and Todwick.
In a tribute issued through police, Johnson’s family described him as a “lovable, gentle giant” and said they had spent “hours in hospital with who we now know to be Trevor”.
The tribute read: “What we have been through and are continuing to go through is unimaginable.
“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. Only those we shared this time with could understand how this went on for so long.
“Neither us nor Josh’s brother can imagine life without him, and as we adjust to this new world and only just begin our journey with grief, we ask that our privacy is respected.”
The force has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct over its identification process.
Johnson’s family added: “Whilst he was 18 and exploring his independence, he was ever so genuine in his care for others – us, his brother, his grandparents, his extended family, and his many friends.
“Many of our happiest family memories were made whilst stock car racing. As new parents, we took Josh to his first stock car meeting at just six weeks old and he’s had a passion for this ever since.”
Police previously said 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.
