In 2006, a tragic accident involving nine students and staff from Taylor University occurred when their van was hit by another vehicle. This accident claimed the life of student Whitney Cerak, who was mistakenly identified as deceased. Meanwhile, another student, Laura Van Ryn, who was critically injured, was believed to have survived and was in a coma.
Over the following month, Laura’s family stood vigil by her bedside. However, a shocking revelation emerged – the woman they believed to be Laura was actually Whitney. The two young women bore such a striking resemblance that even their loved ones couldn’t differentiate between them.
Laura’s parents began to suspect the mistaken identity when they noticed discrepancies in the woman’s physical features, such as different teeth and a pierced navel, not characteristic of their daughter.
Upon awakening from her coma, the woman was asked by doctors to write her name, and to their dismay, she inscribed ‘Whitney’ instead of ‘Laura,’ further compounding the family’s heartache.
Following this heartbreaking revelation, the family chose to retreat from the public eye but later decided to share their harrowing experience. Drawing on their faith, Laura’s parents expressed gratitude for the strength to slowly piece their lives back together amidst the tragedy.
“Even in sorrow, there can be joy, and even in tragedy, there can be joy,” remarked Don, Laura’s father.
The resilience and bravery displayed by Laura’s family in the face of adversity are truly inspiring. Share if you find their story moving.
