Teenager Brooklyn Horan, 16, and 35-year-old Tyson Jemmett tragically died when their car crashed into a river during the Arcadia Road Rallysprint in Paparoa. The car went off the gravel road into a flooded river, and both were pronounced dead at the scene.
Horan, who was driving, was part of New Zealand’s junior driver program, allowing drivers aged 12 to 16 to compete in certain events.
MotorSport New Zealand has launched an investigation into the cause of the crash but stated the road did not appear to be in poor condition.
Tributes have poured in from the motorsport community, with notable figures like World Rally Champion Hayden Paddon expressing their sorrow. Winger Motorsport and Hodgson Motorsport also shared their condolences. A fundraiser has been started to support Horan’s pregnant wife and unborn child.
