After several publications today that reported that a dead person can be seen on a Google map, Google has issued a statement stating that the image will soon be removed.
Jose Barrera, the victim's father, came across a photo of his 14-year-old son Kevin, who was found dead near railroad tracks in Richmond, California, in August 2009, while searching for the location on Google Maps. Barrera told KTVU that the aerial photo brought back many memories and prompted him to file a request to have the photo removed from Google.
Google is often reluctant to change its data based on user requests, but this time the company said through Brian McClendon, vice president of Google Maps, that it will replace the photo, as reported by TNW:
Our hearts go out to the young boy's family. Following the media report, we have been exploring alternative technical solutions. Google has not replaced satellite imagery in Google Maps in the past, but given the circumstances we will make an exception in this case. We believe we can change the image within eight days. We have spoken to the family to let them know that we are working on this change.
