Heath Streak's death rumor from a cancer-related illness viral quickly on social media earlier this week as former Zimbabwe cricketer Henry Olonga shared the awful news on his official Twitter account.
However, shortly after tweeting, Olonga tweeted a screenshot of his discussion with Heath Streak, indicating that the former Zimbabwe captain was alive and well.
Streak later, personally blasted the erroneous news and demanded a public apologies from the author of the report, emphasizing the power of disinformation.
On Saturday, Olonga took to his official Facebook account to address his initial tweet and issue a public apology for spreading the unfounded rumor about Heath Streak's death.
“When news came to me that Heath was unwell earlier this year I made a concerted effort to reconnect after life had us all immersed in our own worlds. Heath has kept me up to date with all that is going on with treatment etc and we have had good contact throughout. The same with Nadine (Streak). They are the closest friends I have from the world of Zimbabwe cricket. Most others I have less interaction with,” Olonga wrote in his statement on Facebook.
“In any case I was informed that Heath had taken a turn for the worse. We were encouraged to write kind words for his eulogy. So it appeared imminent. I will not go into too much detail how the mis-communication occurred but rest assured I heard the story first on Facebook like everyone else.”
Olonga further revealed that he tried to verify the news to great extents, and eventually apologised the fans for the rumour.
"I did immediately text Heath and Nadine to verify. It was a while before they could respond as it was late at night.
I texted a few close cricket colleagues who know the family well and they confirmed it was true. I did ask pointed questions to verify but they were convinced. After all I had only heard from Heath the day before so it seemed kind of sudden. But I truly was devastated as I genuinely believed he was gone. And all the emotion I felt I am sure those who encountered the story felt it too.