ANCHORAGE, Alaska >> A Palmer couple knocked on the door of their son’s long-time girlfriend Thursday, intending to inform her that he’d been killed in a car accident.

Karen and Jay Priest instead were stunned when the son, 29-year-old Justin Priest, answered the door. They had been told by Juneau police that he’d been killed in the crash.

Karen Priest said there are no words to describe their reaction. Her husband started sobbing. She said she was in shock.

Justin Priest siad he’d gotten up to let out his 9-week-old puppy and was near the door at 5:30 a.m. when his parents and brother knocked. They started screaming when he opened the door.

He said his thoughts are with the other family who lost a son.

Juneau police have apologized for the error.