The tragic event shocked the New Zealand motoring community and left many in disbelief.
Two lives were lost at the thrilling Arcadia Road Rallysprint in a devastating crash that left friends, family, and fans mourning the loss of a young talent and an experienced co-driver.
As the investigation continues, questions remain about the circumstances of the crash and those who knew Brooklyn Horan and Tyson Jemmett reflect on their lives and the impact they had on the world of rallying.
The heartbreak comes as the rallying community continues to recover from the loss of two of its own, a reminder of the unpredictable dangers of motorsport.
A teenage driver and his companion have been killed in a crash in a New Zealand rally sprint.
The names of the two deceased are Tyson Jemmett (35) and Brooklynn Horan (15).
While racing at the Arcadia Road Rallysprint in Paparoa, their vehicle collided with a river.
According to the police officer, the vehicle went off a dirt road into a flooded river.
The first rescuers declared two dead at the scene.
Horan was driving the vehicle when it crashed, according to MotorSport New Zealand.
Although younger drivers can compete in certain circumstances, New Zealanders must be over 16 to obtain a driver’s license.
The Junior Driver Program is described on the MotorSport New Zealand website as follows: “People between the ages of 12 and 16 can be licensed to compete.”
According to MotorSport, young drivers often participate in these events.
However, the organization said it would conduct a thorough investigation.
“The incident took place on Arcadia Road in Paparoa, which was closed to the public for the duration of the incident under the authority of the local road enforcement authority,” MotorSport said in a statement.
“It is too early to say what the main contributing factors were, but it does not appear that the road was in a poor or dangerous condition.”
“Our thoughts are with the families and friends of these two racers and everyone involved in the Arcadia Road Rallysprint,” Motorsport New Zealand president Wayne Christie said.
“It is only natural that this terrible tragedy will shock and upset everyone in the world of motorsport.
“We will offer support to all involved in the coming days.”
Many tributes have been paid to them on social media.
World Rally Championship winner Hyden Paddon has expressed his regret over the tragedy that claimed two lives at X.
He said: “It was so sad that they took two great people too soon yesterday.”
Brooklynn Horan, one of Rally’s most stunning upcoming sensations, was bound for greatness. In contrast, Tyson was a dedicated family man and rally enthusiast.
“Your career may have only just begun, but you’ve already left your mark.”
The shop said: “On behalf of the Winger Motorsport team, we send our condolences to the friends and family of Brooklyn Horan and his co-driver Tyson.”
1 Eighty Racing added: “What a natural gift!
We will miss you on the track and your family is in our prayers.
“It is with a very heavy heart that we hear the absolutely devastating news that Brooklyn has passed away doing what we loved together as a family,” the company said.
“It’s moments like these that you remember that the sport we’ve chosen has its highest achievements and lowest values.”
“Brooklyn, you were an amazing kind loving happy kid and that hasn’t changed years later when we crossed paths again last year on the off-road, the cheeky smile was still the same, you just grew up a bit.
Lucy, Jemmett’s wife, will be sorely missed as they prepare for their first child.
A GoFundMe was created by his former co-workers to support his wife and unborn daughter.
The tragic deaths of Brooklyn Horan and Tyson Jemmett have left a deep and lasting impact on the New Zealand motoring community. As the investigation into the cause of the crash continues, tributes have poured in from fans, friends, and fellow racers who have paid tribute to the young talent and experienced co-driver. Brooklyn, known for her promising future in rally racing, and Tyson, an avid rally fan and devoted family man, will be deeply missed by all who knew them.
During this incredibly difficult time, many are thinking of their families, especially Tyson’s wife Lucy, who is expecting their first child. This heartbreaking incident serves as a reminder of the risks involved in motorsport and the strong bond that exists within the community.