A tragic rally crash in New Zealand has claimed the lives of 15-year-old driver Brooklyn Horan and his 35-year-old co-driver, Tyson Jemmett.
The accident occurred during the Shangri-La Street Rallysprint in Paparoa, when their vehicle veered off a gravel road into a flooded stream. Emergency responders pronounced both dead at the scene.
MotorSport New Zealand confirmed Horan was driving. Although driver licenses start at 16, competitors as young as 12 can race under the junior driver program. The organization stressed that such participation is common and that a full investigation is underway.
CEO Wayne Christie expressed condolences, saying the tragedy “will shock and sadden the entire motorsports community.”
Tributes poured in online. Rally champion Hayden Paddon mourned “two wonderful people taken far too soon,” calling Horan a rising star. Teams like Winger Motorsport and Hodgson Motorsport also honored the victims, describing Horan as “kind, loving, and joyful.”
Brooklyn leaves behind his pregnant partner, Lucy. Friends have launched a fundraising campaign to support her and their unborn child, ensuring his young family is cared for despite the heartbreaking loss.
