In a heartbreaking turn of events, a family in Rochester, New York, cremated and held a funeral for what they believed was their missing loved one—only to discover seven months later that she was still alive.
The shocking revelation has not only stirred emotions but also raised serious questions about law enforcement procedures and identity verification.
The Disappearance of Shanice Crews
Shanice Crews had been reported missing in July 2021.
Months of searching yielded no definitive leads.
Then in April 2022, the family received devastating news.
Authorities informed them that a severely decomposed body had been found and identified as Shanice based on dental records.
Wanting to honor her memory, the family held a memorial and proceeded with cremation, choosing not to view the remains due to their condition.
An Unexpected Revelation
In November 2022, the unimaginable happened.
A stranger reached out to the family with a recent photograph of Shanice.
Alive and unaware that she had been declared dead, Shanice’s existence was confirmed, shocking her family to the core.
The emotional weight of the discovery was heavy.
Not only had they mourned her and said their final goodbyes, but they had also mixed her ashes with those of their late mother, creating keepsakes in remembrance.
Now, they were left grieving all over again—this time over the psychological trauma of such a painful mistake.
Legal and Emotional Fallout
The Monroe County Medical Examiner’s Office reportedly offered to pay for the cremation and funeral costs.
However, the family believes this gesture is not enough.
They are now considering legal action against the authorities involved, accusing them of prematurely closing Shanice’s missing person case without proper verification.
The incident has sparked broader concerns about the accuracy of death confirmations, especially in cases involving decomposed or unrecognizable remains.
To date, the Medical Examiner’s Office has not publicly responded to the allegations or provided clarity on how such a critical error was made.
A Cautionary Tale for Families and Authorities
This disturbing case serves as a reminder of the importance of thorough identification processes and better communication with grieving families.
While the family is relieved that Shanice is alive, the emotional toll of burying someone who is still living cannot be undone.
As the story continues to unfold, it may lead to critical policy changes in how missing person cases and unidentified bodies are handled.
For now, the family is trying to heal from a tragedy that turned out to be a twisted miracle.