The internet was inundated with thousands of "RIP DMX" posts Thursday night after people misinterpreted an Instagram post and thought the rap legend had died.
DMX has been on life support since having a heart attack last Friday, as Blavity previously reported, and has been surrounded by family at White Plains Hospital near his home in New York.
But on Thursday, comedian and actress Luenell Campbell, who is close to DMX, posted an Instagram story that said, "It is over my friend is gone. Soar w/the doves. Join the best that ever did it. RIP…DMX."
From that post, sneaker blog SAINT sent out a post saying "RIP DMX" that set off a wave of reactions on Twitter.
For about an hour, thousands of condolences took over social media sites, even though some noted that no official news outlets had confirmed his passing.
Around midnight, DMX's manager Steve Rifkind took to Instagram to criticize those who had jumped to conclusion based on a post from one friend.
“Everybody, please stop posting with these rumors. DMX is still alive. Yes, he is on life support, but please. It’s not helping anybody by seeing these false rumors. Let the family relax for a night,” Rifkind said.
“You will be hearing a statement from the family sometime tomorrow. I’ve been with DMX for the past three years, so the only thing I ask is just stop with the rumors. He is still alive and he is still on life support,” he added.
Both Campbell and SAINT sent out statements apologizing for creating confusion.
Campbell sent out another Instagram story where she said, "When your spirit leaves and your organs fail you. the body becomes just a shell. One becomes wrapped in the lords arms."
"Thats what 'I' call gone. I'm sorry to All #DMX," she added.
Luenell’s first post, and now her second pic.twitter.com/CyWK69N2Fi
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) April 9, 2021
SAINT also released a statement saying their original post was based on Campbell's first Instagram story.
"We have deleted the tweet out of respect for DMX and his loved ones. A close friend of DMX posted this on her Instagram story, has since been taken down. We apologize for any confusion. Prayers still going out to him and his family," the blog wrote, sharing a photo of Campbell's first post.
Many online later criticized the situation and questioned why so many people were so interested in being the first to send out an "RIP" post.
DMX's family has said his condition is "grave" and noted that his brain went without oxygen for more than 30 minutes while paramedics tried to revive him on Friday, according to TMZ.
NY1 anchor Dean Meminger reported this week that DMX's family is struggling with whether he should be taken off of life support.
"Family of #DMX continues to pray for him, but after several days on a ventilator sources say the family is expected to remove DMX from life support this week. Like with most families in this situation loved ones continue to struggle with the decision," Meminger tweeted.
Fans have spent days congregating outside of White Plains Hospital holding vigils and events in DMX's honor.