A tragic accident during a rally sprint event in New Zealand has claimed the lives of teenage driver Brooklyn Horan and his 35-year-old co-driver, Tyson Jemmett. The fatal crash occurred during the Arcadia Road Rallysprint in Paparoa when their vehicle veered off a gravel road and plunged into a flooded river.

According to police investigators, the car left the track under unclear circumstances and ended up submerged in the river. First responders arrived quickly at the scene, but both individuals were pronounced dead on site. MotorSport New Zealand confirmed that Horan was behind the wheel at the time of the crash.

In an official statement, MotorSport New Zealand explained that the event was held on Arcadia Road, which had been closed to the public under authorization from the local Road Controlling Authority. While the road was not reported to be in a hazardous condition, officials stated it is still too early in the investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident.

Wayne Christie, president of MotorSport New Zealand, extended his heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of Horan and Jemmett, as well as to everyone involved in the rally community who was affected by the tragic event.