Actually though, it was a clerical error. It turns out the Trooper had notified the wrong Justin Priest’s family—the Justin Priest who actually died was a 33-year-old.

Alaska police claim they requested the Trooper go to the Priests’ home to find out if the crash victim was their son, NOT to tell them he had died. However, Alaska State Troopers spokeswoman, Megan Peters, insists they were asked to make a death notification.

Whatever the true scenario, Alaska police head-honcho, Chief Bryce Johnson, said, “I’m almost speechless for words. This shouldn’t happen.”