Hawarden Nov 2013 fatal crash - AAIB report
You are correct, but the crux is in the speed of the prop running down and the reaction of the pilot. If the prop rpm drops enough before you get the lever in feather, you may be too late. I think there was a discussion about this not too long ago.
Edited to add: and you need the latches as you wouldn't be able to get the engine running with the prop in feather. At least that's how it's always explained.