In a heart-wrenching incident, New Zealand’s motorsport community is mourning the loss of two beloved competitors who tragically passed away in a rally sprint accident. Teenager Brooklyn Horan and 35-year-old Tyson Jemmett lost their lives when their car veered off the road and plunged into a river during the Arcadia Road Rallysprint in Paparoa.
According to police reports, the car left the gravel road and submerged into a flooded river. Despite the prompt response of first responders, both Horan and Jemmett were pronounced dead at the scene. MotorSport New Zealand confirmed that Brooklyn Horan was driving the vehicle at the time of the crash.
In New Zealand, the legal age for obtaining a driver’s license is 16. However, MotorSport New Zealand allows younger individuals, aged 12 to 16, to participate in competitions through a junior driver program. This tragic event has cast a spotlight on the participation of young drivers in motorsport competitions.
MotorSport New Zealand has announced a thorough investigation into the incident. A statement from the organization highlighted that the event was conducted on a closed road under the authority of the local Road Controlling Authority. While it’s too early to determine the exact cause of the crash, preliminary assessments suggest that road conditions were not a contributing factor.
Wayne Christie, president of MotorSport New Zealand, expressed profound sorrow, stating, “Our thoughts are with the families and friends of these two competitors and everyone involved with the Arcadia Road Rallysprint. This terrible tragedy will, without a doubt, shock and upset everyone in the motorsports world. We will be offering support to all those involved in the coming days.”
Tributes have been pouring in on social media, reflecting the deep impact Horan and Jemmett had on the community. World Rally Championship winner Hyden Paddon took to X (formerly Twitter) to share his condolences, describing the event as a sad day and praising both individuals for their contributions to the sport.
“Tyson was a huge rally fan and family man, and Brooklyn Horan was one of the most exciting young rally stars who was going to make it big,” Paddon wrote. “Your career may have only just been starting but you had already left your mark.”
Winger Motorsport also expressed their condolences, as did several other teams and individuals from the motorsport world, highlighting the profound loss felt by many.
“Such a natural talent! Your family is in our thoughts, and you will be missed on the track,” wrote 1Eighty Racing.
Hodgson Motorsport reflected on the highs and lows of the sport, remembering Brooklyn as an “amazing, kind, loving, happy kid” who left a lasting impression on everyone he met.
In a particularly heartbreaking note, Tyson Jemmett leaves behind his pregnant wife, Lucy. Friends and colleagues have started a fundraiser to support her and the unborn child during this incredibly difficult time.
The motorsport community is united in grief, remembering the passion and spirit of Brooklyn Horan and Tyson Jemmett, and they will be deeply missed by all who knew them.
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