The grieving family of a 24-year-old man were left stunned when they discovered he was alive just moments before he was put in a coffin.

Watson Franklin Mandujano Doroteo was pronounced dead by doctors at the Contingency Hospital of Tingo Maria in Peru after suffering a fever following dental surgery, reports the Metro.

The 24-year-old was taken to an undertaker and his body was prepared for burial – but shocked workers and relatives noticed he was still breathing as he was being interred.

A doctor was called and he confirmed Doroteo showed vital signs of life, so his body was taken out of the coffin and he was rushed to hospital.

But unfortunately he was pronounced dead soon after arriving at the hospital.

Now his family are seeking justice and police are investigating the case. Doroteo initially went in for treatment on a root canal at a clinic in Aguaytia on October 21, Los Andes has reported.

But he was taken to the hospital in Tingo Maria after suffering fever and chills following the surgery and is thought to have been given a sedative.

He was then pronounced dead – but was instead alleged to have just been heavily sedated. One of his relatives told El Comercio: ‘They gave him diazepam’.

It is not known whether the police are investigating the doctors for negligence or not. It is also not known whether the family will be taking action against the medics following Doroteo’s death, or whether the mistaken proclamation of death led to his actual death as treatment was therefore not given.