England rugby star James Haskell is alive and well. No really, he’s doing just fine, thank you.
The fact that the 31-year-old flanker is carrying on as normal shouldn’t be news but it is. That’s because an unsubstantiated rumor began circulating and gaining so much traction that Haskell turned directly to his own YouTube channel to clear things up.
"You may have seen there are quite a lot of fake news stories operating on Facebook,” he said in the clip literally entitled “I Am Not Dead,” calling rumors about his well-being nothing more than cheap “clickbait.”
Part of the momentum for the rumors is that Haskell is actually recovering from a foot injury, which has him temporarily sidelined.
"So rest assured I'm not dead, I'm not disgraced and for those of you a little bit skeptical - we get drug tested all the time,” he said.
In the video, he goes over a list of the fake stories that have been shared across social media about him: a steroid overdose, a drug overdose, that he himself is a drug dealer or that he’s quit the sport because of family problems.
"So just to make sure this is very clear: This is absolute rubbish,” he said.
But he was at least able to find some humor in the whole debacle, noting that he’s in good company:
"Actually I feel pretty humble because the [same websites] use Tom Brady, a famous NFL player, and J.J. Watt, another famous NFL player. … For those of you that wish I was dead, better luck next time.”
Parents of young children get more time with them if they work from home.Photo credit: Canva
Juicy subject matter
Giphy from The Blacklist.
We could start a rumor.
Grieving couple comforting each other
This response to someone grieving a friend might be the best internet comment ever
When someone is hit with the sudden loss of a friend or loved one, words rarely feel like enough. Yet, more than a decade ago, a wise Redditor named GSnow shared thoughts so profound they still bring comfort to grieving hearts today.
Originally posted around 2011, the now-famous reply was rediscovered when Upvoted, an official Reddit publication, featured it again to remind everyone of its enduring truth. It began as a simple plea for help: “My friend just died. I don't know what to do.”
What followed was a piece of writing that many consider one of the internet’s best comments of all time. It remains shared across social media, grief forums, and personal messages to this day because its honesty and metaphor speak to the raw reality of loss and the slow, irregular path toward healing.
Below is GSnow’s full reply, unchanged, in all its gentle, wave-crashing beauty:
Why this advice still matters
Mental health professionals and grief counselors often describe bereavement in stages or phases, but GSnow’s “wave theory” gives an image more relatable for many. Rather than a linear process, grief surges and retreats—sometimes triggered by a song, a place, or a simple morning cup of coffee.
In recent years, this metaphor has found renewed relevance. Communities on Reddit, TikTok, and grief support groups frequently reshare it to help explain the unpredictable nature of mourning.
Many readers say this analogy helps them feel less alone, giving them permission to ride each wave of grief rather than fight it.
Finding comfort in shared wisdom
Since this comment first surfaced, countless people have posted their own stories underneath it, thanking GSnow and passing the words to others facing fresh heartbreak. It’s proof that sometimes, the internet can feel like a global support group—strangers linked by shared loss and hope.
For those searching for more support today, organizations like The Dougy Center, GriefShare, and local bereavement groups offer compassionate resources. If you or someone you know is struggling with intense grief, please reach out to mental health professionals who can help navigate these deep waters.
When grief comes crashing like the ocean, remember these words—and hang on. There is life between the waves.
This article originally appeared four years ago.