Hall of Famer Lem Barney's family sets record straight amid death reports

Lem Barney was pronounced dead on Saturday morning, however, the news turned out to be false, as the Hall of Famer is alive and well.

Pro Football Hall of Fame president and CEO Jim Porter had announced in a statement,

"Over the better part of five decades Lem devoted himself to the betterment of others. The Special Olympics, the United Way, the Easter Seals, the United Negro College Fund and the Boy Scouts of America are just some of the many organizations that benefitted from Lem giving back to his community unselfishly and with little fanfare. Lem was a regular in Canton during Enshrinement Week, and his consistent presence here welcoming new class members will be missed."

But within hours, reports started flying in debunking the news, and media houses confirmed with his family members. The Detroit News' Tony Paul spoke the Lem Barney's sister, Verina Carter, who confirmed that he is okay,

Paul stated, "Media reports about Lem Barney are false. The #Lions legend and Pro Football Hall of Famer has *not* died, according to his sister, who I just spoke to."

While Carter added, "My brother is fine. … I don’t know where this [expletive] is coming from."

Similarly, the Detroit Lions star's son Lem III told TMZ something similar felt confused as to why people think his father died. This led to the Pro Football Hall of Fame rescinding its statement and sharing an apology,

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"Based on conflicting information regarding the reported passing of Lem Barney, the Pro Football Hall of Fame is rescinding the email sent earlier today. The Hall has not been able to confirm such news independently. Please accept our apology."

According to Lem's son, this also happened a few months back, but his father has "around-the-clock" caretakers who have not insinuated any need to worry.

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