Damar Hamlin Death Certificate: In recent weeks, the internet has been abuzz with rumors. Those conspiracy theories are surrounding the NFL star Damar Hamlin’s on-field collapse. Activists, primarily those opposed to Covid-19 vaccines, have propagated baseless claims. They are suggesting that Hamlin has been replaced by a “body double” or even a “clone.” However, it is crucial to address these allegations and separate fact from fiction.
Origins of the Rumors
Following Hamlin’s injury, rumors began to circulate, fueled by footage from an NFL playoff game where he was seen wearing a mask due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. These rumors gained traction, despite Hamlin having previously shared a clear picture from his hospital bed two weeks prior.
Conspiracy Theories Take Hold
Anti-vaccination activists, known for their opposition to Covid-19 vaccines, seized upon the opportunity to further their cause. They took to various platforms, including Twitter and fringe video sites. They are disseminating unfounded claims about Hamlin’s attendance at the game. And more outlandishly, suggesting his death or the use of cloning technology.
Among those spreading these rumors were individuals associated with a documentary called “Died Suddenly”. They are notorious within anti-vaccination circles for containing dubious and false claims. The spreading of these conspiracy theories also involved former reporters from fringe right-wing news outlets and Juanita Broaddrick, known for her accusations against Bill Clinton and her subsequent support for Donald Trump.
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Financial Motives and Conspiracy Influencers
Expert Mike Rothschild, who has extensively studied the QAnon phenomenon and conspiracy theories, highlights the financial motives behind the spread of these rumors. The individuals responsible seek to promote their websites, books, podcasts, and unproven cures. Over the years, they have peddled conspiracy theories about Covid-19 for personal gain. When the vaccine emerged, they quickly incorporated it into their grand conspiracy, claiming it was poisonous, untested, and fatal.
Debunking the Claims
One of the pieces of so-called evidence cited by conspiracy theorists was a data-scraping website displaying a death report allegedly filed in Hamlin’s name in his hometown of Pennsylvania. However, this claim falls apart upon closer inspection. Hamlin’s injury occurred in Cincinnati, Ohio, not Pennsylvania, and current Pennsylvania death records are not searchable online. The Pennsylvania Department of Health confirmed that these records are not publicly available until 50 years after a person’s death.
Teammate’s Response and Hamlin’s Reaction
The false claims gained such momentum that Hamlin’s teammate, Josh Allen, felt compelled to address them during an American football podcast. Allen vehemently dismissed the rumors. He emphasized that Hamlin had been with the team throughout the game and spent time with his family in the suite. He expressed frustration with the baseless allegations and urged people to stop spreading them.
Hamlin himself took a lighthearted approach to the situation, mocking the rumors by sharing a selfie in front of a mural dedicated to him in Buffalo.
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Conclusion
It is important to critically examine and debunk baseless conspiracy theories. In the case of Damar Hamlin’s on-field collapse, anti-vaccination activists exploited the situation to further their agenda, spreading false narratives about his injury, attendance at the game, and even his existence. As responsible consumers of information, we must rely on credible sources, fact-check claims, and avoid perpetuating unfounded rumors.