Retired colonel reads about his own achievements and demise in national newspapers at the weekend

A high-ranking retired military colonel received a nasty shock when he read his own obituary in national newspapers at the weekend – an obituary that was still being run today.

Jørgen Østerby, 74, of Slagelse is the former chief for the Military Region V and previously represented Denmark at NATO. A detailed account of his accolades appeared in the obituary section of Politiken newspaper on Saturday and Berlingske Tidende today.

But Østerby assured the local SJ.dk website that he was still in the best of health although the premature announcement was unpleasant for his wife.

‘My wife got an unusual call on Saturday from someone asking if there was anything she needed help with,’ said Østerby.

Both papers have since printed a retraction and apology.