Story highlights A young man is killed in a car crash late Wednesday in Juneau, Alaska

State troopers, then Juneau police tell Justin Priest's parents he's dead

News site: The parents go to their son's house, and he opens the door

Juneau police chief: "It was our mistake, and we are sorry"

(CNN) You are told -- twice-- that your son has died, once by a state trooper and then again by a local police officer.

What do you do?

Express thanks, and perhaps frustration, that it's not true.

An Alaska family rode this emotional roller coaster earlier this week. And on Friday, Justin Priest -- the man whose parents believed had died -- said his family is "very private," but hopes some good comes from getting the story out so no one else has to endure a similar nightmare ride.

"We wanted to put a little pressure on the police department to make sure this sort of thing doesn't happen again," Priest said. "And I think we achieved our goal."

Read More