Huge loss. A widely beloved star has passed away today in horror car accident

The tragic accident that claimed the lives of teenager Brooklyn Horan and 35-year-old Tyson Jemmett occurred during the Arcadia Road Rallysprint in Paparoa. The crash happened when their car veered off a gravel road and plunged into a flooded river. Both were pronounced dead at the scene by first responders.

MotorSport New Zealand confirmed that Horan was driving at the time of the accident. Although the legal driving age in New Zealand is 16, MotorSport New Zealand’s junior driver program allows individuals aged 12 to 16 to obtain a competition license. The organization announced a full investigation into the crash, noting that the road conditions did not appear to be unsafe.

MotorSport New Zealand president Wayne Christie expressed condolences and stated that support would be offered to all involved. Tributes poured in on social media, with notable figures like World Rally Championship winner Hayden Paddon expressing sorrow over the loss of “two great people.”

Winger Motorsport, 1Eighty Racing, and Hodgson Motorsport also paid tribute, highlighting Horan’s potential and Jemmett’s passion for rallying. Hodgson Motorsport’s tribute was particularly poignant, recalling Horan’s cheerful demeanor and noting his wife Lucy is expecting their first child. Fundraisers have been started to support Lucy and her unborn child during this difficult time.