The Arcadia Road Rallysprint in Paparoa ended in tragedy when 15-year-old driver Brooklyn Horan crashed. Horan and his 35-year-old co-driver, Tyson Jemmett, were killed in the accident.
According to the Motorsport New Zealand, police and emergency services were called to the scene around 2 p.m. local time. However, Horan and Jemmett had already passed away by the time they arrived.
“Our thoughts are with the family and friends of these two competitors and all involved with the Arcadia Road Rallysprint, Wayne Christie, the president of MotorSport New Zealand, said in a statement.
“The whole motorsport community will be understandably shocked and upset by this terrible tragedy. We will be offering support to all those involved in the coming days.”
The local governing body has initiated a comprehensive investigation into the accident and its causes with the authorities. According to reports, the car had plunged into a river, which was swollen due to recent rains.
Brooklyn Horan had started his rally career in sprint competitions in 2022. In New Zealand, a junior license can be obtained from the age of 12.
Tyson Jemmett had previously competed as a driver in rallies, but in recent years, he had taken on the role of co-driver more frequently.
New Zealand’s most prominent rally star, Hayden Paddon, was heartbroken over the incident. Paddon knew both Horan and Jemmett personally.
“Brooklyn, for someone so young, with so much talent and a huge future in the sport who I am sure would have gone all the way. You were the future of our sport but also one of the nicest and most humble young man I have ever met. Your career may have only just been starting but you had already left your mark,” Paddon wrote.
“Tyson, you were one of the true passionate rally fans. I remeber you at the WRC events throughout 2017 and 2018 waving the Kiwi flag and supporting us through thick and thin, always pushing the sport of rallying forward in the media. A great business, sporting and family man. Thinking of your wife and family at this time.”
“Rest in peace Brooklyn and Tyson.”
