Former New Zealand international cricketer Nathan McCullum was forced to deny his own death after rumours spread on social media that he had passed away.
The 38-year-old, who played 84 One Day Internationals for his country, wrote on Twitter: “I am alive and kicking more than ever before. Not sure where this news has come from but this is fake. Love you all.”
I am alive and kicking more than ever before. Not sure where this news has come from but this is fake. Love you all. pic.twitter.com/WZ1nuX4LUo
— Nathan McCullum (@MccullumNathan) December 1, 2018
McCullum included an image of a post from fan page New Zealand Cricket FanHub in his tweet, which claimed his wife had announced he had passed away.
The fan page, which has more than 25,000 likes, has since apologised for its mistake, writing: “We made a mistake and we are sorry. Nathan McCullum is alive and doing well.”
Hey Guys we made a mistake and we are sorry. Nathan McCullum is Alive and doing well
Posted by New Zealand Cricket FanHub on Saturday, December 1, 2018
An administrator for the fan page told the Press Association: “I saw it [the news] posted on another Facebook page which has since been taken down. [I] can’t remember the name of it, but yes, I didn’t really look into it as much as I should have.”
Social media users responded to the rumours – some paid their respects online, but others weren’t convinced.
Didn't find any trusted source about Nathan McCullum
So don't believe it yet. 🙂
— ᴀQᴇᴇʙ (@AAQEEEB) December 1, 2018
McCullum retired from international cricket in 2016 to spend more time with his family.