A devastated family organized a fundraising campaign for their teenage son, believing he had perished in a car accident, but they shared a significant development.
Authorities reported that Trevor Wynn, aged 17, had passed away in a traffic incident in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, on December 13. Subsequently, his family initiated a GoFundMe page in preparation for his funeral. However, three weeks after the tragic collision, the teenager regained consciousness from a coma and correctly identified himself to medical staff. The mistaken identity by South Yorkshire Police led to Trevor’s family informing donors of the astonishing revelation that the teenager was, in fact, alive.
The police had informed the Worksop, Nottinghamshire, teen’s family that he had died around 3 a.m. less than two weeks before Christmas. Plans were underway for a funeral for Trevor, also known as TJ, but a significant turn of events occurred.
In the incident, 18-year-old Joshua Johnson and an unnamed 17-year-old female driver sadly lost their lives when a silver Toyota Corolla veered off the road away from Dinnington, South Yorkshire. Initially, authorities had believed Joshua to be hospitalized under sedation; however, Trevor’s awakening from a coma led to the unexpected confusion.
In a surprising update on the GoFundMe page, a family spokesperson stated, “IMPORTANT UPDATE – PLEASE READ. We want to address something openly and honestly. Following recent confirmation, it has now come to light that TJ is alive. The police initially made a mistake and identified the wrong person, and we were informed incorrectly at the time. This has since been clarified, and we want to be completely transparent with everyone who has supported us.”
The focus now is on assisting TJ in his recovery and rehabilitation, as well as supporting his family with the financial burdens they are currently facing. The fundraiser highlighted that the teenager’s journey to recovery will encompass medical treatment, rehabilitation, travel, accommodation, and family expenses.
Expressing gratitude for the outpouring of support, the update emphasized the continued need for love and assistance for TJ and his family. South Yorkshire Police’s Assistant Chief Constable Colin McFarlane acknowledged the shock caused by the situation and assured that support services were being provided to Trevor and all the families involved. The police have referred themselves to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) for an investigation into the identification processes following the incident.
An 18-year-old has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, and a 19-year-old has been arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice. Both individuals are currently on bail pending further investigation.