A family in Worksop has experienced an emotional rollercoaster after their teenage son, who was declared dead by police following a horrific car crash, miraculously woke from a coma three weeks later.
The Tragic Collision and Initial Mistake
South Yorkshire Police informed the family of 17-year-old Trevor Wynn, also known as TJ, that he had died in a road collision in Rotherham on 13 December. The incident, which occurred less than two weeks before Christmas, involved a silver Toyota Corolla leaving the carriageway near Dinnington.
Believing their son was gone, Trevor's heartbroken loved ones began planning a funeral and set up a GoFundMe page to cover the costs. The fundraiser stated that two other young people in the car, 18-year-old Joshua Johnson and an unnamed 17-year-old girl, sadly lost their lives.
A Shocking and Joyful Awakening
In a stunning turn of events, three weeks after the crash, Trevor awoke from his coma. He was able to tell medical staff his name and date of birth, revealing the catastrophic error in identification.
The family swiftly posted an 'IMPORTANT UPDATE' on the fundraising page. "We want to address something openly and honestly," a spokesperson wrote. "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."
The update explained that the focus is now on Trevor's long road to recovery and rehabilitation, which will involve significant medical, travel, and family expenses.
Police Response and Investigation
South Yorkshire Police's Assistant Chief Constable Colin McFarlane acknowledged the profound shock and additional trauma caused by the mistake. The force is supporting all families involved and has taken the significant step of referring itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
"We are absolutely committed to understanding how this happened so it cannot happen again," ACC McFarlane stated. The IOPC will now consider the identification processes followed after the collision.
In connection with the crash itself, 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. Both remain on bail as enquiries continue.
