The claim:Bodybuilder Doug Brignole died from the COVID-19 vaccine
In April 2021 just after receiving his COVID-19 vaccine, author and body builder Doug Brignoleshared a message on Facebookabout the experience.
"I'm vaccinated ! Well, the first of two," the post reads in part. "Let's get this done so we can get back to traveling, going to concerts, and having fun. My vaccine was yesterday, and I had no problem with it."
In the days that followed, Brignolecommunicated with other social media users in the comment section of his Facebook post about the safety and efficacy of the vaccine.
"I have enough confidence in the vaccine, based on my research, to get it done," Brignole replied to a Facebook user who questioned his decision. "Those of you who think the vaccine kills people can use me as a test. If I die, you were right. If I don't die, and have no ill effects, you were wrong, and should admit it–at least to yourselves."
Now, social media users are connectingBrignole's 2021 comment to his recent death.
"Then I guess you made the case for us! We were RIGHT not to take the vax! That's why he is dead and we are Not," reads the caption of anOct. 22 Instagram post.
Other versions ofthe claimaccumulated thousands of interactionsacross multiple social media platforms.
But Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner records show Brignole died of a COVID-19 infection, not the COVID-19 vaccine.
USA TODAY reached out to several social media userswho shared the post for comment.
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Brignole died from COVID
Brignole died on Oct. 13 from a COVID-19 infection, according to public records from theLos Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner.
WhileBrignole did suffer from Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease,according to the medical examiner's records,there was no other cause of death listed.
There have also been no credible reports connecting Brignole's death to the vaccine.
Fact check:No, the media didn't report the same boy died of COVID-19 in three different countries
Our rating: False
Based on our research, we rate FALSE the claim that Brignole died from the COVID-19 vaccine. Despite what social media users claim, the medical examiner who investigated Brignole's death found he died from COVID-19.
Our fact-check sources:
- Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner, accessed Oct. 25, Douglas Brignole
- Doug Brignole, April 4, 2021, Facebook post
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Our fact-check work is supported in part by a grant from Facebook.
