Beloved star killed in horror car crash
Teen Driver and Co-Driver Killed in New Zealand Rally Sprint Crash
A tragic accident at the Arcadia Road Rallysprint in Paparoa, New Zealand, has claimed the lives of 15-year-old Brooklyn Horan and 35-year-old Tyson Jemmett. The fatal crash occurred when their car veered off a gravel road and plunged into a flooded river.
According to a police officer at the scene, the vehicle lost control and ended up in the river, resulting in the immediate deaths of both occupants. MotorSport New Zealand confirmed that Horan was driving at the time of the accident. Although New Zealand law requires drivers to be at least 16 to obtain a license, MotorSport New Zealand permits younger drivers to participate in certain competitions under its junior driver program, which allows individuals aged 12 to 16 to hold a competition license.
The organization announced a full investigation into the crash, stating, “It is too early in the investigation to comment on the main contributing factors. However, it does not appear that the road conditions were detrimental or unsafe.”
Community Mourns the Loss
The motorsport community has been deeply affected by this tragedy. Wayne Christie, president of MotorSport New Zealand, expressed condolences, saying, “Our thoughts are with the families and friends of these two competitors and everyone involved with the Arcadia Road Rallysprint. This terrible tragedy will undoubtedly shock and upset everyone in the motorsports world. We will offer support to all those involved in the coming days.”
Tributes have poured in on social media from various members of the motorsport community. World Rally Championship winner Hayden Paddon wrote, “It was so sad that two great people were taken too soon. Brooklyn Horan was one of the most exciting young rally stars, destined for great things. Tyson was a huge rally fan and a dedicated family man.”
Winger Motorsport also extended their condolences: “On behalf of the team at Winger Motorsport, we send our deepest sympathies to the friends and family of Brooklyn Horan and his co-driver Tyson Jemmett.”
Remembering Brooklyn and Tyson
Brooklyn Horan was remembered as a rising star in the rally world, full of potential and promise. 1Eighty Racing shared, “Such raw talent! On the track, we will miss you, and our thoughts are with your family.”
Hodgson Motorsport reflected on Brooklyn’s impact: “It’s times like these that you remember the highs and lows of our sport. Brooklyn, you were an amazing, kind, loving, happy kid, and that hadn’t changed when we saw you at off-roading last year. The cheeky smile was still the same, though you had grown a bit taller.”
Tyson Jemmett, a passionate rally fan and dedicated family man, leaves behind his wife, Lucy, who is expecting their first child. Friends and colleagues have started a fundraiser to support Lucy and their unborn daughter during this difficult time.
Looking Ahead
The motorsport community now focuses on understanding the factors that led to this devastating accident and working to prevent such tragedies in the future. The loss of Brooklyn Horan and Tyson Jemmett serves as a somber reminder of the inherent risks in motorsport, and their memories will continue to inspire those who knew and admired them.