HEARTFELT tributes have poured in for an 18-year-old boy who died in a horror crash weeks ago – after spending weeks thinking he was still alive.
Joshua Johnson was originally thought to have been left in a coma after the crash last month.
His family and friends thought he was under sedation in hospital for 22 days.
And meanwhile, South Yorkshire Police told the family of Trevor Wynn, 17, that he was the teen who had died.
But it has now been revealed Joshua was actually killed in crash, while Trevor, 17, survived.
The baffling mix-up was revealed after Trevor woke from a coma and told cops his name.
The mistake ragically meant Joshua’s loved ones spent Christmas hoping the teen would survive in hospital, only to find out he had passed away.
Moving tributes have since poured in from loved ones for Joshua – well known as Josh – on social media after the mix-up was corrected.
One wrote: “Rest In Peace Josh Johnson, another top lad taken way too soon, thoughts are with the Johnson family and all of Josh’s friends at this difficult time!“
Another friend posted images of Joshua on Facebook, along with the caption: “Fly high brother. RIP.”
A third tribute said: “We as a family are truly devastated and heartbroken with the news of Josh.
“We were privileged to watch him grow up from a smiling happy baby into the most caring, loving, polite young man you could ever wish to meet.
“We watched Josh take his first ever drive in a micro up and down our driveway and then onto track, and was always my “go to boy” in helping with the new younger drivers coming into the formula, with his words of comfort and help.
“A wonderful young man, with his whole life ahead of him taken far too soon.
“RIP Josh Johnson #2/#22 you may be gone but you will never be forgotten.”
One pal wrote: “So shocked to hear of the loss of former Stoxkart and Micro F2 racer – 22 – Josh Johnson at such a young age. Tragic just doesnt cover it.
“Thoughts go out to the Johnson family at this unbelievably devastating time.
“RIP Josh.”
Joshua, described as “fearless” by friends, had competed in stockcar competitions across the UK, and had only celebrated passing his driving test in September.
A GoFundMe appeal to raise funeral funds for the teenager described him as an “incredible person” and can be found here.
South Yorkshire Police said the families and surviving victim will be offered support from specialist officers and additional specialist services.
Cops also revealed that an unnamed 17-year-old girl died in the horror smash.
The mix-up by South Yorkshire Police was only discovered when Trevor awoke from a coma in hospital and told doctors his name.
It is understood Trevor had not been allowed visitors while in the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit.
He is now recovering and receiving specialist support.
The force has now referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
CATASTROPHIC ERROR
Assistant Chief Constable Colin McFarlane said: “This has obviously come as a huge shock to everyone and we recognise the additional trauma this may cause.
“We are supporting Trevor and all the families through this and have engaged specialist agencies to help provide that support.
“I have also offered to meet with both sets of parents as I am sure they will have many questions, most of which we are not able to answer yet but we are absolutely committed to understanding how this happened so it cannot happen again.
“We have taken the decision to refer ourselves to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) to consider our role in the identification processes which were followed following the road traffic collision.
“We will co-operate fully with any subsequent investigation and will be led by the IOPC on the next steps to determine how this happened, and how we can ensure this never happens again in the future.”
Jake Richard, the MP for Rother Valley, said he was “shocked and saddened” by the statement released by South Yorkshire Police.
He added: “This is an appalling situation for the families involved.
“To be wrongly informed about the death or survival of a loved one is unimaginably distressing, and my thoughts are with all those affected, particularly the family of Joshua Johnson, and with Trevor Wynn and his family as he continues to receive treatment.”
Mr Richards said the force faces “serious questions” about “how such a failure occurred and what safeguards were not in place to prevent it”.
An 18-year-old was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, and a 19-year-old was arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice following the crash.
Both remain on bail pending further enquiries.
