In further proof that internet websites will do absolutely anything to increase page-views, the recently spread rumor that Pawn Stars character “Chumlee” is dead has been proven to be a hoax.
Yesterday, the site eBuzzd ran an article entitled, ” ‘Pawn Stars’ Funnyman Chumlee Dies of Apparent Heart Attack,” in which the site stated that sources revealed Chumlee, real name Austin Russell, had died of a devastating heart attack caused by his rapid weight loss of 75 pounds over one year.
The site went as far as to quote an “actual” physician about the effects rapid weight-loss could have on the body. Unfortunately for the website’s credibility, the physician correctly stated that “From what I know, Mr. Russell lost 75 pounds in about a year’s time. This can be a healthy and safe amount of weight to lose in a year but it all depends on the method and lifestyle in which the weight was shed.”
If that wasn’t going far enough with the hoax, eBuzzd also quoted the reaction from a “family friend”: “We are deeply saddened by the loss of our friend Chumlee. This is all so sudden and shocking. He was truly one of the sweetest men I knew. He will be missed.”
In order to debunk the false rumors of his death, Chumlee took to Twitter to ensure all of his friends that he is still alive and well:
May we live long, Rich forever.
— Austin Russell (@chumlee_) March 12, 2014
And if this message was too cryptic, boss Rick Harrison added more credibility to the fact that Chumlee is most certainly not dead:
Breaking news: CHUMLEE IS ALIVE & WELL! He is actually filming today but we all really appreciate everyone's concern!
— Rick Harrison (@GoldSilverPawn) March 12, 2014
.@chumlee_ is ALIVE & WELL! He is 101 lbs down & in the best health of his life! Thanks for your concern! He is filming today at GS Pawn
— Rick Harrison (@GoldSilverPawn) March 12, 2014
Apparently, reporting news of this sort is nothing new to eBuzzd. The little-known website has run other false stories this year including the reported death of Betty White, Tom Cruise quitting Scientology, and Justin Bieber being involved in a serious car accident.
This is also not the first time Chumlee has been reported as dead. Last year, The Internet Chronicle ran a story which reported that Chumlee had died of a marijuana overdose, a story which Snopes quickly identified as false.
Image via Twitter