**BREAKING: William Bumpus, Noted Meteorologist, Falsely Reported Dead in Viral Social Media Hoax**
*Fact-Check: FALSE*
A viral social media post claiming that veteran meteorologist William Bumpus—known for his decades-long career forecasting weather in New England—has passed away is entirely fabricated.
The post, which began circulating on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook late Tuesday evening, alleges that Bumpus died at his home in Massachusetts due to complications from a sudden illness. It includes a photoshopped image of a fake news graphic with a made-up quote from a “family spokesperson.”
**Reality Check:** William Bumpus is alive and well. Reached by phone Wednesday morning, Bumpus confirmed the report is “100% a hoax,” adding that he was “very much alive and enjoying retirement.”
**How the Hoax Spread:** The rumor appears to have originated from a parody account mimicking a local news station. The account’s bio now includes the phrase “We do fake news for fun,” but not before the post was shared thousands of times by users who did not check the source.
**The Lesson:** Before sharing a death notice or breaking news headline, pause and check the account’s verification status, look for official confirmation from reputable outlets, and remember that hoaxers often target well-liked public figures to generate engagement.
**Verdict:** 🚫 FALSE. William Bumpus is alive. Do not share or repost the false claims.