In New Zealand, a tragic rally sprint crash claimed the lives of a teen driver and his co-driver.
Teenager Brooklyn Horan and 35-year-old Tyson Jemmett were involved in the fatal accident. The crash occurred at the Arcadia Road Rallysprint in Paparoa when their car veered off the gravel road and into a flooded river. Emergency responders pronounced both individuals dead at the scene.
MotorSport New Zealand confirmed that Horan was driving the vehicle during the incident. While New Zealand requires drivers to be at least 16 to obtain a full license, the junior driver program allows individuals aged 12 to 16 to compete in certain events.
MotorSport New Zealand has stated that a thorough investigation will be conducted. According to their statement, “The event took place on Arcadia Road in Paparoa, which was closed to the public for the event. It is too early in the investigation to determine the main contributing factors, though the road does not appear to have been in a detrimental or unsafe condition.”
Wayne Christie, president of MotorSport New Zealand, expressed condolences, saying, “Our thoughts are with the families and friends of the competitors and everyone involved in the Arcadia Road Rallysprint.
This tragic event will certainly impact the motorsports community deeply.”
Tributes have been pouring in on social media. World Rally Championship winner Haydon Paddon shared his sorrow, noting, “Two great people were taken too soon. Tyson was a devoted rally fan and family man, while Brooklyn Horan was a rising star in the rally world who had a promising future.”
Winger Motorsport also offered their condolences, stating, “We send our heartfelt sympathies to the friends and family of Brooklyn Horan and Tyson Jemmett.”
1Eighty Racing remarked, “Such a natural talent! You will be missed on the track. Our thoughts are with your family.”
Hodgson Motorsport shared their grief, reflecting, “It’s times like these that remind us of the highs and lows of our sport. Brooklyn was a kind, loving individual, and he will be dearly missed.”
Brooklyn’s wife, Lucy, who is expecting their first child, will miss him greatly. To support her and their unborn child, some of Brooklyn’s former colleagues have started a fundraiser.