A devastating tragedy has shaken the motorsport community, as a young, widely admired rally driver and his co-driver lost their lives in a horrific accident during a race event in New Zealand.
The victims have been identified as Brooklyn Horan, a teenage driver, and 35-year-old Tyson Jemmett, who was serving as his co-driver.
The fatal crash occurred during the Shangri-La Street Rallysprint in Paparoa, where their vehicle reportedly left a gravel section of the course and plunged into a flooded stream. Emergency personnel arrived swiftly but were unable to save either individual — both were declared dead at the scene.
According to MotorSport New Zealand, Horan was behind the wheel at the time of the incident.
Despite drivers in New Zealand requiring a license at 16, younger individuals are permitted to race under strict guidelines. MotorSport New Zealand’s Junior Driver Program allows competitors as young as 12 to obtain a racing license and participate in sanctioned events.
The organization emphasized that an official investigation is underway. In a public statement, they noted that while the road had been legally closed for the event, there’s currently no indication that dangerous conditions contributed to the accident.
Wayne Christie, CEO of MotorSport New Zealand, shared his condolences:
“Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of Brooklyn and Tyson. This is a devastating loss that will be felt deeply across the entire motorsport community. We are committed to supporting everyone affected and will be cooperating fully with the investigation.”
Tributes have since flooded social media from across the racing world.
World Rally Champion Hayden Paddon wrote:
“What an incredibly tragic event. Two lives taken far too soon. Tyson was a dedicated motorsport enthusiast and family man. Brooklyn had an incredibly bright future in rally — he had already left a mark despite being so young.”
Winger Motorsport shared:
“Our deepest sympathies go out to the families of Brooklyn and Tyson. This loss is felt deeply across our team.”
1Eighty Racing added:
“Brooklyn had such raw, natural talent. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.”
Hodgson Motorsport wrote in a moving tribute:
“The loss of Brooklyn is deeply personal for us. He was full of joy and promise — his grin could light up any garage. We’ll never forget him.”
Even more heartbreaking, Brooklyn’s partner Lucy is expecting their first child. Friends and colleagues have since launched a fundraising campaign to support her and the unborn baby in the wake of this immense loss.
