I've seen my own reports twisted in the paper, they may have quoted the report correctly or not. I don't know the laws there but they vary state to state, here the only people with the authority to pronounce a death are a dr or coroner. We are in a small town so usually the coroner comes to the scene, if a person is transported by ambulance then they are pronounced at the hospital.
It also seems to make a difference whether they actually hit the other vehicle or wreck while avoiding it as far as fault goes.
Sorry for the loss of your friend and I hope this all gets ironed out.