Emanuel Steward Not Dead, Family Says, TMZ Pulls Story
Emanuel Steward’s death has been widely reported after a TMZ post claimed the boxing legend had died at 68, but conflicting reports have led to the page being pulled from the site as the story is investigated.
As we reported earlier, credible sources indicated Emanuel Steward had died after a long bout with illness today, but as of this morning, Steward’s family has denied the rumors and the TMZ post breaking the Emanuel Steward death story remains offline. (An original link to the Emanuel Steward death post redirects to the major entertainment news site’s main page.)
Diane Steward-Jones released a statement to ABC News earlier today via text, saying that her brother Emanuel Steward was not dead, and that news reports of his passing were erroneous and poorly investigated. She stated:
“You can tell folks that he is alive and being treated by some of the best experts in the world … The Steward family is dismayed and greatly disheartened and disappointed that during this personally challenging time, people would callously and thoughtlessly run wild with untrue statements in order to garner their ’15 minutes of fame.'”
Emanuel Steward’s sister also said that the erroneous reports were hard on the family, some of whom were unable to be at the boxing legend’s bedside and may hear reports in the media first:
“Where is the moral compass of those seeking to capitalize on this situation? Does anybody take the time to check out the facts anymore? Many of those issuing reckless statements have our phone numbers, as well as Emanuel’s office number and yet, they haven’t called, just issued statements that are terrorizing Emanuel’s children, siblings and relatives that aren’t able to be here at the hospital.”
An hour ago, boxing champ Lennox Lewis tweeted:
I’ve heard the rumours re: @emanuelsteward but have no confirmation.Until then my prayers r with my friend & his family.
— Lennox Lewis (@LennoxLewis) October 25, 2012
As of now, no official confirmation of Emanuel Steward’s death has emerged.
