Family of teenage victim misidentified by police after fatal Yorkshire car crash speak of ‘unimaginable’ ordeal

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 2 min read 100% complete by Nadeem BadshahJanuary 7, 2026 at 11:43 PM

AI Summary

medium article 2 min

Following a fatal car crash in Yorkshire on December 13th, South Yorkshire Police mistakenly identified 18-year-old Joshua Johnson as 17-year-old Trevor Wynn. Wynn's family was initially informed of his death, while Johnson was believed to be the injured individual in the hospital. The misidentification led Johnson's family to spend considerable time at the hospital with Wynn, believing him to be Joshua. After further investigation, police confirmed the error and that Johnson had died in the collision. Johnson's family released a statement describing their "unimaginable" ordeal and remembering Joshua as a "lovable, gentle giant." The police have referred themselves to the Independent Office for Police Conduct regarding the error. Two individuals, ages 18 and 19, have been arrested in connection with the crash and bailed pending further inquiries.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Todwick 30% Dinnington 30% Todwick Road 30% Summer Louise Scott 40% Independent Office for Police Conduct 50% Rotherham 50% Yorkshire 60% South Yorkshire Police ×270% Trevor Wynn ×480% Joshua Johnson ×690%

Keywords

misidentification 90% car crash 80% family ordeal 70% fatal collision 70% joshua johnson 70% police investigation 60% south yorkshire police 60% trevor wynn 60% independent office for police conduct 50% causing death by dangerous driving 50%