South Yorkshire Police informed a devastated family that their teenage son had passed away in a tragic car accident just before Christmas, only for him to later awaken from a coma.
Trevor Wynn, 17, was reported to have died in the early hours of December 13 when a silver Toyota Corolla veered off the road. The unexpected turn of events left his family stunned when Trevor regained consciousness in a hospital bed weeks later, identifying himself to medical staff.
In a heartbreaking twist, it was actually 18-year-old Joshua Johnson who lost his life in the crash, while 17-year-old Summer Louise Scott, the driver of the vehicle, also tragically perished.
The family of Trevor had been preparing for his funeral over the holiday season, scheduled for the upcoming Friday, until the astonishing revelation came to light.
An 18-year-old was taken into custody on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, with a 19-year-old arrested for suspected involvement in perverting the course of justice. Both individuals are currently on bail as investigations continue.
Assistant Chief Constable Colin McFarlane announced that South Yorkshire Police has voluntarily involved the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) to review their handling of the identification procedures post the road accident.
Initially, Trevor’s family was informed that he was among the casualties in the early morning crash on December 13. However, to their relief, the 17-year-old had survived the collision and had been in a coma at the hospital for three weeks.
The family spent the holiday season making funeral arrangements for Trevor, only to be informed of his survival 22 days following the incident.
Contrary to initial beliefs, it was Joshua Johnson, erroneously thought to be recovering in the hospital, who tragically lost his life on the day of the accident.
The shocking turn of events prompted Trevor’s family to update their GoFundMe page, originally created to mourn his presumed passing.
Meanwhile, Joshua Johnson’s family received the devastating news that their son was alive and battling for his life during the festive period, unaware that he had succumbed to his injuries sustained in the collision.
Assistant Chief Constable Colin McFarlane of South Yorkshire Police acknowledged the distress caused by the mistaken identity, recognizing the added trauma experienced by the families involved.
The incident occurred on Todwick Road, near Dinnington, in South Yorkshire, where the vehicle departed from the road.