The police watchdog is investigating after mixing up the identity of a teenager who died in a car crash with another who was seriously injured in hospital.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said it would “carefully examine” whether procedures were “followed appropriately” after South Yorkshire Police (SYP) incorrectly identified one of the victims of the collision on Todwick Road in Rotherham on 13 December.
SYP had initially said 17-year-old Trevor Wynn had died alongside a girl of the same age, and that 18-year-old Joshua Johnson was under sedation in hospital.
However, SYP later referred itself to the IOPC after “information came to light” which revealed it was actually Mr Johnson who died, and Mr Wynn who remained in hospital.
In a statement, Joshua Johnson’s family said they had been through an “unimaginable” ordeal.
“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,” the family added.
“We never wanted him to be alone. Only those we shared this time could understand how this went on for so long.”
On Thursday, the IOPC confirmed it would “look at the actions and decision-making of police involved in the identification process”.
IOPC director Emily Barry said: “My sincere condolences and thoughts go out to all those involved. It’s hard to imagine what these families have been through in the past few weeks. It is clear something has gone very wrong with awful consequences for them.
“We understand the concern about this incident and it is vital that we carry out a thorough investigation, independently of the police, to establish exactly how and why this happened.
“We will carefully examine the circumstances regarding the identification of individuals following the collision, including what policies and procedures were in place and whether they were followed appropriately, to determine the facts and identify any learning arising from this tragic situation.”
Police will “co-operate fully”
Assistant Chief Constable Colin McFarlane previously said the force would “co-operate fully with any subsequent investigation” to “ensure this never happens again in the future”.
Read more:
Tribute paid to teenager who died in crash
Two 17-year-olds die after car crashes into tree in Rotherham
He added that the mix-up came as “a huge shock to everyone” and said SYP were “supporting Trevor and all the families through this”.
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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.
