John Renehan's father, John Delaney, went missing in 2000. Although the British family filed a missing person report when Delaney disappeared and police issued a public appeal with his photograph, no information was received. An unrecognizable decomposed body was found in April 2003 and since the body was dressed in similar clothes and had wounds that were similar to Delaney's medical history, police determined it was John Delaney.

However, in April 2008, Renehan watched a television program about missing persons and recognized his father. DNA tests confirmed John Delaney's identity and father and son were reunited in August 2008.

Renehan has demanded an apology from the police.Daily Mail: 'Dead' Father Turns Up on TV (September 4, 2008)

• In 2000, John Delaney was found wandering dazed and confused in Oldham, Greater Manchester and was placed in a nursing home. Delaney had apparently suffered a head injury, and had total memory loss. Without any way to determine Delaney's identity, he was given the name David Harrison and has been living at the Oldham Social Services home since he was found.Daily Mail: 'Dead' Father Turns Up on TV (September 4, 2008)

• "I had just finished my night-shift and was getting ready to go to sleep when I turned on the TV. As I was turning away I got a glimpse of who I thought was my father.For the rest of the day I could not get to sleep. I was in shock."
• "'I feel sorry for the other family and I don't know how anyone is going to find out who it was."—John RenehanDaily Mail: 'Dead' Father Turns Up on TV (September 4, 2008)

• RTÉ News: Irish Man Presumed Dead is Found Alive (September 4, 2008)

• Daily Mail: 'Dead' Father Turns Up on TV (September 4, 2008)

• Fox News: Son Spots Dad on TV, 5 Years After Family ‘Cremated’ Him (September 4, 2008)

• The Independent: 'Cremated' Father Found Alive (September 4, 2008)

• BBC News: Man Reunited With 'Dead' Father (Time: 1:40)