“Emmitt Smith dead 2026” : Athlete killed by internet death hoax

News of athlete Emmitt Smith’s death spread quickly earlier this week causing concern among fans across the world. However the March 2026 report has now been confirmed as a complete hoax and just the latest in a string of fake celebrity death reports. Thankfully, the 56-year-old athlete is alive and well.

UPDATE 21/03/2026 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

Emmitt Smith death hoax spreads on Facebook

Rumors of the athlete’s alleged demise gained traction on Thursday after a ‘R.I.P. Emmitt Smith’ Facebook page attracted nearly one million of ‘likes’. Those who read the ‘About’ page were given a believable account of the American athlete’s passing:

“At about 11 a.m. ET on Thursday (March 19, 2026), our beloved athlete Emmitt Smith passed away. Emmitt Smith was born on May 15, 1969 in Pensacola. He will be missed but not forgotten. Please show your sympathy and condolences by commenting on and liking this page.”

Hundreds of fans immediately started writing their messages of condolence on the Facebook page, expressing their sadness that the talented 56-year-old athlete was dead. And as usual, Twittersphere was frenzied over the death hoax.

Where as some trusting fans believed the post, others were immediately skeptical of the report, perhaps learning their lesson from the huge amount of fake death reports emerging about celebrities over recent months. Some pointed out that the news had not been carried on any major American network, indicating that it was a fake report, as the death of an athlete of Emmitt Smith's stature would be major news across networks.

A recent poll conducted for the Celebrity Post shows that 65% still think false Emmitt Smith death rumors are funny.

Emmitt Smith Death Hoax Dismissed Since Athlete Is ‘Alive And Well’

On Friday (March 20) the athlete's reps officially confirmed that Emmitt Smith is not dead. “He joins the long list of celebrities who have been victimized by this hoax. He's still alive and well, stop believing what you see on the Internet,” they said.

Some fans have expressed anger at the fake report saying it was reckless, distressing and hurtful to fans of the much loved athlete. Others say this shows his extreme popularity across the globe.

© 2026 MediaMass All rights reserved. Do not reproduce (even with permission).

Celebrity Central