A teenage driver and his passenger were killed in a rally sprint accident in New Zealand. The two victims have been identified as Brooklyn Horan, 15, and Tyson Jemmett, 35. Their car crashed into a river while they were participating in the Arcadia Road Rallysprint in Paparoa. A police officer reported that the car veered off the gravel road and plunged into a swollen river. The pair were pronounced dead at the scene by emergency services. MotorSport New Zealand confirmed that Horan was driving the car at the time of the crash. In New Zealand, the legal driving age is 16, but young drivers can participate in competitions under certain conditions. The MotorSport New Zealand website explains in its junior driving program: “People aged 12 to 16 can obtain a competition license.” It is common for young drivers to take part in these competitions, according to MotorSport.
Nevertheless, the organization has announced a thorough investigation. “The event took place on Arcadia Road in Paparoa, which was closed to public traffic for the duration of the event with approval from local road authorities,” MotorSport said in a statement. “It is too early in the investigation to determine the main causes of the accident. However, it does not appear that the road was in poor condition or dangerous.” Wayne Christie, President of MotorSport New Zealand, said: “Our thoughts are with the families and friends of these two participants, as well as everyone associated with the Arcadia Road Rallysprint.” “It is entirely natural for this terrible tragedy to shock and devastate everyone involved in motorsport.” “We will offer our support to all those affected in the coming days.
Numerous tributes to the two men have been posted on social media. World Rally Championship winner Hayden Paddon expressed his sorrow on X following the accident that claimed their lives. He said, “It’s so sad that two wonderful people lost their lives far too soon yesterday.” “Brooklyn Horan was one of the most exciting young rally talents, and she was destined to achieve great things. Tyson, on the other hand, was a huge rally fan and a family man.” “Your career may have just started, but you’ve already left a lasting impression.” The company added, “On behalf of the Winger Motorsport team, we extend our condolences to the friends and families of Brooklyn Horan and her co-driver Tyson.” 1Eighty Racing also stated, “Such a natural talent! You will be missed throughout the journey, and our thoughts are with your family.
It is with a very heavy heart that we learned the absolutely devastating news that Brooklyn lost her life doing what we loved as a family,” wrote Hodgson Motorsport. “It’s in moments like these that we realize the sport we’ve chosen has its highest highs and its lowest lows.” “Brooklyn, you were a wonderful, kind, and happy child, and that hadn’t changed years later when we met again last year while off-roading. Your mischievous smile was still the same, just a little bigger.” Jemmett’s wife, Lucy, is expecting their first child, and he will be deeply missed. His coworkers have started a fundraiser to help support his wife and their unborn daughter.
