Matthew Booth, the former South African professional footballer, found himself at the center of a swirling death hoax on Sunday, August 18, 2024. The rumor, which claimed Booth had died in a car accident, spread rapidly across social media, causing widespread concern and alarm among his fans and the broader football community.
As the phrase "Matthew Booth dead" began trending on various platforms, confusion and fear took hold, with many people fearing the worst. Some fans shared their condolences, while others urgently sought confirmation of the news.
"Ithini nalento ka Matthew Booth? I just read an article that he was involved in a horrific car crash. I don’t know if that is genuine or not," read one of the numerous social media posts adding to the speculation.
However, Booth quickly put an end to the rumors by issuing a statement confirming that the reports were entirely false. He reassured his followers that he was alive and well, effectively dispelling the fears that had gripped his fans.
The incident underscores how swiftly misinformation can spread online, especially on social media, and the unnecessary distress such false reports can cause. Fans expressed their relief upon hearing directly from Booth, bringing a swift end to the brief but intense wave of concern.