Joshua Johnson: More than £13,000 raised for family of teen who died three weeks before family found out
A fundraiser has raised more than £13,000 for a grieving family who only found out a loved one had died three weeks after a horror crash - due to a mix-up with his identity.
On December 13, two teenagers died following a collision on Todwick Road in Rotherham.
A 17-year-old girl who was driving the car involved lost her life along with another teenager, who police believed was Trevor Wynn, also 17.
Officers believed Joshua Johnson, 18, survived, albeit with life-threatening injuries.
Last weekend, three weeks after the crash, Trevor and Joshua’s families discovered there had been a mix-up during the formal identification process - and that Trevor was still alive and it was Joshua who had lost his life.
Trevor’s family spent three weeks grieving for the teen, while Joshua’s family spent that time willing their loved one to pull through.
It was only when the teen fighting for life woke up from a coma that the mix-up became apparent.
The revelation - which was shared by South Yorkshire Police on January 6 - has led to an outpouring of support for both families.
An online fundraising page had already been set up for Trevor’s family when it was thought he had died, and now one has been set up for Joshua’s loved ones.
In less than 24 hours, £10,000 was raised for the grieving family, with the total now over £13,000.
More than 200 people have donated, with one person giving £980 so that young Joshua can have the send off he deserves.
The fundraiser explains: “Josh was one of the kindest, most caring lads you could ever meet, always knowing how to make people smile no matter what they were going through.
“Josh had a huge passion for racing and been around stockcars, that love for life and adrenaline reflected the person he was - fearless, loyal, and full of heart.
“Together with his mum, dad, and brother, I want to come together to raise money to give Josh the send-off he truly deserves - one that honours the incredible person he was and the love he gave so freely.
“Any support, no matter how small, means the world to us and helps us remember and celebrate a truly special soul who will never be forgotten.”