After former professional boxer Marvin Hagler died on March 13 at age 66, rumors began to spread online suggesting that he died from the COVID-19 vaccine. A widely shared Instagram post claims that “Marvin Hagler was allegedly in ICU fighting after effects of COVID vaccine.”

vladtv

A post shared by @vladtv

There is no evidence to suggest that Hagler the COVID-19 vaccine contributed to his death. 

This claim originated in a now-deleted Instagram post from fellow former professional boxer Thomas Hearns, who, as reported by Business Insider, wrote that Hagler was in the ICU “fighting the after effects of the vaccine.” The post, per Business Insider, read as follows: “A real true warrior Pray for the king and his family.. he’s in ICU fighting the after effects of the vaccine! He’ll be just fine but we could use the positive energy and Prayer for his Full Recovery!”

Noble Brown🗡 @Sociopathlete

The vaccine killed Marvin Hagler

March 14th 2021

54 Retweets100 Likes

Hearns later clarified via Instagram Story that his message was not meant to be understood as an “anti vaccine campaign.” The post, which is no longer visible, according to Business Insider, read: “Allow us to have our peace. Our love and respect to Marvin and his family, this is not an anti vaccine campaign... it's outrageous to have that in mind during the passing of a King, Legend, Father, Husband and so much more."

Hagler’s wife, Kay, also addressed the vaccine rumor in a public post to the “Marvelous Marvin Hagler FAN CLUB” Facebook group, clarifying that her husband did not die of the vaccine: “I was the only person close to him until the last minute, and I am the only person that know how things went not even his family know all the details and I do NOT accept to read some stupid comment without knowing really what happen. For sure wasn't the vaccine that caused his death. My baby left in peace with his usually [sic] smile and now is not the time to talk nonsense.”

Hagler’s personal website also said that he died of natural causes: “We are very sad to report that Marvelous Marvin Hagler died on March 13 of natural causes near his home in New Hampshire. He was a champion until the end.”

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