Pawn Stars star Chumlee is not dead. As a matter of fact, he’s very much alive and well.
According to UPI, Chumlee, whose real name is Austin Russell, became the topic of a viral hoax that began circulating around the Internet earlier this week.
The publication reports that several claims suggested that the reality TV star had died of a heart attack. However, an article published to eBuzzd stated that his death had been confirmed.
The article, which has since gone viral, has received more than 140,000 Facebook likes. The news immediately began circulating on social media platforms and news outlets. Now, he’s taken time to personally address the death rumors and put them to rest. After receiving an immense number of tweets from fans offering their condolences, he tweeted back to set the record straight.
May we live long, Rich forever.
— Austin Russell (@chumlee_) March 12, 2014
Russell’s Pawn Stars cohort and boss Rick Harrison also chimed in via Twitter with “a public service announcement” refuting the rumors.
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
Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time Russell has been the center of death rumors. The 31-year-old famed pawn shop employee was associated with two different death hoaxes last year, reports Inquisitr News. The publication reports that eBuzzd was the origin of those claims, as well. One of the reports even claimed that he had died of a marijuana overdose. (image)
Many fans have actually believed the report to be true, as he does have a weight problem. However, none of the information in the report is factual. He has actually lost 75 pounds. Back In January, he spoke openly about the steps he’s taken to better his health.
“I’m going to the gym six days a week,” he said. “I’m eating right. Well-balanced diet. I drink a juice smoothie every morning.”
The popular reality series airs on the History channel. It follows the daily operations of World Famous Gold & Silver Pawn Shop, a 24-hour family business located in Las Vegas, NV. By 2011, the show immediately became the network’s highest rated series attracting an estimated 7.6 million viewers.
Catch the latest episode of Pawn Stars on Thursday, Mar. 13 at 9 p.m. ET.
Image via Pawn Stars, Facebook
Image via Pawn Stars, Facebook
