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Something like this only happens in horror films: standing in front of the coffin of her son Osman U.* (14), Vilma F.* from La Entrada in Honduras sheds one tear after another. She assumes her son was brutally murdered.
But then the shocking moment: when the woman’s phone suddenly rings, she experiences a rollercoaster of emotions. Because it is actually Osman who greets his mother here in the video call. “We were all surprised because friends said, ‘It’s Osman.’ I thought it was a joke,” Fuentes told local media.
Mixed with body identification
But how can this seemingly supernatural event be explained? It was a case of mix-up.
Osman left home for the US at the end of September. About two weeks later, the body of a teenager was found in his hometown of La Entrada. The boy was apparently severely beaten. His face was completely disfigured by multiple gunshot wounds to the head and neck.
However, it was striking that the victim had a burn on his arm, similar to Osman’s. Family members therefore identified the dead man as Osman. Police then released the body so the family could hold a wake at their home.
The error came to light during the funeral service. The teen reportedly called his mother from the Guatemala-Mexico border and told her, “I’m here at the border. I’m alive, I’m not dead.”
“I’m glad my grandson is still alive”
Shortly afterwards, the family informed the police about the incident. The officers also discovered that they had made a mistake. Further investigation then revealed an astonishing result. The dead man was not actually Osman, but another boy: the missing Jimmy S.* (†15).
For Osman’s family, the news of the death switch is an enormous relief. “The truth is they look alike. We cleaned the body and mourned, but it was not him.” Osman’s grandmother is also delighted: “I am happy that my grandson is still alive.” (ced)
* Name known
Source: Blick
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
