A devastated family initiated a fundraiser for their teenage son whom they believed had passed away in a car accident but later shared a significant development.
According to authorities, 17-year-old Trevor Wynn was pronounced dead following a traffic collision in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, on December 13. His family launched a GoFundMe page in preparation for his funeral. However, three weeks later, Trevor regained consciousness from a coma and provided his identity to medical staff. The mistaken identification by South Yorkshire Police resulted in his family updating donors that the teenager was, in fact, alive.
The family was informed by the police that the teenager, hailing from Worksop, Nottinghamshire, had died in the early hours less than two weeks before Christmas. Plans were underway for Trevor, also known as TJ, to be laid to rest on Friday, but a surprising turn of events unfolded.
In the tragic incident, 18-year-old Joshua Johnson and an unnamed 17-year-old female driver lost their lives after a silver Toyota Corolla veered off the road in Dinnington, South Yorkshire. Initially, authorities believed Joshua was hospitalized under sedation, but Trevor’s awakening from a coma revealed the mistaken identity.
In a recent update on the GoFundMe page, a family representative stated, “IMPORTANT UPDATE – PLEASE READ. We wish to address a matter candidly and sincerely. Based on recent confirmation, it has been discovered that TJ is alive.”
“The initial error in identification was made by the police, and we were misinformed at the time. This has now been rectified, and we aim to be fully transparent with all our supporters,” the statement continued.
The focus now shifts to aiding Trevor in his recovery and rehabilitation while assisting his family with the financial burdens during this challenging period. The fundraiser highlighted that Trevor’s journey to recovery would encompass medical treatment, rehabilitation, travel, accommodation, and family expenses.
Expressing gratitude for the outpouring of support, the update concluded, “We recognize that this news may be startling, and we are grateful for everyone’s understanding, compassion, and ongoing support. Every donation, message, and share has been driven by love — a love that remains crucial at this time. Thank you for standing by TJ and his family.”
Assistant Chief Constable Colin McFarlane of South Yorkshire Police acknowledged the shock caused by the recent events, emphasizing support for Trevor and all affected families. Specialist agencies have been engaged to provide assistance, and McFarlane offered to meet with the parents to address their inquiries and concerns.
The police force has voluntarily referred the case to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) for a review of the identification procedures post-accident. Collaborating fully with any ensuing investigation, the police are committed to understanding the lapse to prevent a recurrence in the future.
An 18-year-old has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, while a 19-year-old is held on suspicion of perverting the course of justice. Both individuals remain on bail pending further investigations.
