Man Who Was Declared Dead & Had A Funeral Returns Home; Dead Body Was Not His

Imagine your dad died. You cry, you worry about how to survive and seven hours later, your dad comes in with your favourite satay from Lau Pa Sat.

You know, like the TV drama Glitch.

Now, before you think I’m crazy, someone in Indonesia actually did that.

I am pretty sure everyone is like the guy in the Gif right now. It’s not the latest zombie movie or anime—it happened in real life.

I’m talking about a grave mistake in real life.

The Accident

There was a terrible accident that happened in Brondung District, in Tuban, East Java. A motorbike rider, Mr Sunarto, who’s a resident of a neighbouring district, was declared dead after the fatal incident.

Brondong police promptly informed the police of Grabagan, his district, about the accident so that the unfortunate news could be relayed to Mr Sunarto’s family.

The body was then quickly sent to the family at 12pm. At 3pm on the same day, the family completed the burial rites and funeral for the deceased Mr Sunarto.

Seven hours later, at 10pm, Mr Sunarto walked right into the family home.

Mistaken Identity

In actual fact, the deceased was not Mr Sunarto. It was Mr Wariim from Jarum Village, Semanding District.

When the accident happened, Mr Wariim was riding Mr Sunarto’s motorbike.

Mr Sunarto had handed it over as collateral, due to his debts to Mr Wariim. As a result, police contacted the family of the registered owner of the motorbike – which was Mr Sunarto’s family.

The police did this because there were no other sources of identification. The victim was not carrying any identification.

More unfortunately, was the extent of severe injuries Mr Wariim suffered made him unidentifiable.

Even when Mr Sunarto’s family washed the body in preparation for burial, they were unable to tell that it was not their family member.

What Then?

The two families then contacted each other and decided on arrangements for the late Mr Wariim.

It was determined that Mr Wariim’s burial site would not be moved, but the headstone would be swapped to reflect the correct person.

We hope Mr Wariim’s family finds strength in this incredibly difficult period.