Fifteen-year-old rally driver dies in shocking crash that also killed his navigator when their car plunged into a river
- Incident occurred during the race north of Auckland
- The tributes flow for the two drivers
- Teen recalls ‘making his mark on the sport’
A teenage racer and his co-driver were tragically killed during the Arcadia Road Rally Sprint in New Zealand on Sunday.
Brooklyn Horan, 15, and Tyson Jemmett, 35, were both pronounced dead at the scene by emergency services after their vehicle left the dirt road and plunged into a swollen river at around 2pm local time.
Horan was driving the vehicle when the incident occurred in Paparoa during an event held by the Hibiscus Coast Motorsport Club.
“Our thoughts are with the family and friends of these two competitors and all involved in the Arcadia Road Rally Sprint,” Motorsport New Zealand president Wayne Christie said.
“The entire motorsport community will understandably be shocked and devastated by this terrible tragedy. We will provide support to everyone involved in the coming days.’
Brooklyn Horan was only 15, but was already making a name for himself in rally driving in New Zealand
Tyson Jemmett is remembered as a loving family man and member of the New Zealand racing community
Hayden Paddon, the first New Zealander to win a stage in the World Rally Championship, said he was at a loss for words after hearing of the double fatal crash.
“First and foremost, my deepest thoughts and wishes go out to Raana, Lynnaire, Lucy and all the families involved at this tragic time. The entire motorsport community supports you,” Paddon said in a social media post.
“It’s crippling to hear about Brooklyn and Tyson’s accident yesterday,” he said.
“Brooklyn, for someone so young, with so much talent and a huge future in the sport, I’m sure he would have gone for it.
You were the future of our sport, but also one of the kindest and most humble young men I have ever met. Your career may have only just begun, but you’ve already left your mark.
‘Tyson, you were one of the truly passionate rally fans. I remember you waving the Kiwi flag at the (World Rally Championship) events in 2017 and 2018 and supporting us through thick and thin, always highlighting rallying in the media.
‘A great business, sports and family man. I am thinking of your wife and family at this time.”
Tributes poured in online for Horan and Jemmett, who is survived by his wife Lucy. The couple both worked together media company Stuff.
“This devastating loss is felt by our entire Stuff whānau (family) today,” Stuff CEO Laura Maxwell said.
“There are no words that can convey the tragedy of losing someone like Tyson in a situation like this, at such a young age, and express the love we all feel for his family at this time.”
Jemmett’s family released a statement saying he was a “beloved husband” of Lucy, a beloved son of Ian and Pat, a brother of Kahlia and a beloved son-in-law of Caroline and Glenn.
A promising junior, Horan showed his talents in various racing disciplines, most notably competing in the Toyota 86 Championship this season.
His father Raana is also an experienced racing driver with a primary focus on rally driving.
Horan’s involvement in rally events was through the family team Big Black Motorsport, while he partnered with Mackenzie Motorsport for the Toyota 86 series.
“Gone too soon,” wrote Mackenzie Motorsport.
“Brooklyn was a great kid and a real talent. He will be greatly missed within the team, he will leave a huge hole with his big smile and flamboyant driving style. Our thoughts are with everyone at this difficult time.”
Racer Products also posted their condolences to the drivers on Facebook.
“Our thoughts go out to the Horan friends and whānau at this time. He was a great kid to be around. His future looked bright and he will be missed,” the message said.
As the incident occurred while the road was closed, WorkSafe and MotorSport NZ will investigate the events.
MORE TO FOLLOW