Identical triplet brothers separated at birth in ‘cruel’ experiment reunited after chance encounter

A set of identical triplets who hadn't seen each other since being separated at birth met on the off chance when in their teens.

In July 1961, a teen mom gave birth to identical triplets - Robert Shafran, Edward Galland and David Kellman.

The trio all hold different surnames as went on to be adopted by three different families, unaware of each other's existence and the fact they were one of three identical triplets until hitting their teenage years.

The trio had unknowingly been involved in a study conducted by a man called Dr Peter Neubauer. The study looked at the impact of nature versus nurture - the three boys adopted into families of different class standing.

David went to a working-class family, Edward to a middle-class home, and Bobby ended up being taken in by a upper-middle class family.

Dr Neubauer worked with the adoption agency to ensure the separation of the triplets and locating into different class categories, however, the agency later spoke out claiming it had simply been difficult to get all three adopted together.

The first ten years of the boys' lives saw them be frequently visited and studied by Dr Neubauer, all the while, none of them any the wiser they didn't just have a sibling, but two, and identical ones too.

That is, until the boys entered their teenage years and a chance encounter brought two of them together.

The triplets were separated at birth (Don Norkett/Newsday RM via Getty Images)

Despite living miles apart from one another, both Robert and Edward studied at Sullivan Community College.

A mutual friend of the pair was quick to spot the uncanny resemblance between them and put the pieces together after learning that they were both adopted.

The two brothers made headlines across the States upon their reunion, which David went on to see.

Knowing he also looked just liked the two long-lost brothers, he called Edward's home and spoke to his mother, telling her he believed he was also related to Edward and Robert.

The triplets later discovered that their separation was part of an experiment, which is still sparking outrage decades on.

Their story gained more traction in 2018 following the release of the documentary, Three Identical Strangers.

The three brothers had a documentary made about them. (NEON)

Discussing their story and the documentary on Reddit, one person recently wrote: "I’m a triplet myself and can’t even imagine the mess they were put through."

"The documentary is so good," another added. "It’s heartbreaking and disgusting but a very good watch."

Another person labelled the ordeal as 'horrific'.

All three of the boys went on to suffer with mental health issues in their lives, with both Edward and David having spent time in mental health hospitals.

Adding even more tragedy to their already sad story, Edward sadly took his own life at the age of 33 in 1995 after learning of the nature of his separation from his brothers.

Three Identical Strangers is currently streaming on Hulu.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available through Mental Health America. Call or text 988 to reach a 24-hour crisis center or you can webchat at 988lifeline.org. You can also reach the Crisis Text Line by texting MHA to 741741.