Kicker: An unexpected guest

NICK EICHER, HOST: Here’s a shocking case of mistaken identity.

Grieving friends and family had gathered to remember a man they’d been told had died days after doctors removed life support.

As they gathered, an unexpected guest showed up: the man they thought was dead, Alfonso Bennett.

He recounted the story to CBS Chicago, and explained he’d simply been out of town a few days, then returned to a memorial service for himself.

BENNETT: I’m looking at them like wow, I’m ready to like barbecue or something, and they’re looking at me like I was a ghost.

Officials had informed Bennett’s family that a then comatose man in the hospital was their Alfonso. The patient had suffered severe facial injuries and that made identification difficult.

Bennett said it’s been quite an experience.

BENNETT: It’s overwhelming.

Overwhelming in more ways than one: Not only was he declared dead, but his disability and Social Security benefits stopped, not to mention he received a bill from the hospital.

It’s The World and Everything in It.

(Photo/CBS Chicago)

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