Imagine a cop car driving up to your house at 3 am, walking to your door, and telling you “Your child was killed in a car crash.” It’s a parent’s worst nightmare.
At your lowest of lows, there’s nothing you wouldn’t do to make it all go away, to turn back time, or to make it all a mistake. For these Alaskan parents, the impossible just happened.
Alaskan parents Karen and Jay Priest woke during the night to the news of their son Justin’s death in a car accident.
They were told that he was killed after crashing into a tree on a drive to Juneau. Their son often made this drive, causing them to burst into tears…and start calling relatives.
They immediately drove 45 miles to Anchorage to rescue their other son, Cody, who collapsed upon hearing the news.
After putting Cody in their car, they drove to tell Justin’s girlfriend of 5 years, who lived with Justin, to deliver the news. But when they knocked on the door…
…Justin answered!
Moments earlier, Justin had woken up to take his new yellow lab for a walk and was near the door when they knocked. Confusion set in when he opened and heard the frantic screams of his family.
(H/T ADN)
As it turned out, the actual victim had the same name, although a different age, birthday, and middle name.
“I was shocked and astonished and had to keep grabbing him and hugging him,” Jay said. “I never cried so much in all my life.”
The police apologized after learning about their mistake. They initially wanted the trooper to ask the parents if the crash victim was their son, but Chief Bryce Johnson said the request was unclear. “I’m almost speechless for words,” said Johnson, who teared up when he heard the Priest’s story. “This shouldn’t happen. We have to take responsibility for that. It was our case.”
No matter what, I’m betting Justin’s parents don’t care much, and are just happy to have their son alive and well. I know we are!
