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Unveiling the Story of Sofia Murillo: What You Need to Know After Her Heartbreaking Death at 17

In a tragic turn of events in August 2026, popular Colombian influencer Sofia Murillo tragically lost her life at the tender age of 17 following a devastating helicopter crash.

On August 8, 2026, headlines confirmed that Murillo was involved in a fatal accident in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, that also claimed the lives of her mother, Wendy Manrique, and her grandmother, Rocio Cubillos. News outlet g1 reported that their pilot, Alessandro Rocha, did not survive the crash either.

This heartbreaking incident unfolded a mere two months after musician Oliver Tree perished in a similar accident near Rio de Janeiro. That earlier tragedy saw two helicopters collide, resulting in the loss of six lives.

Before her untimely demise, Murillo captivated a large audience with her engaging beauty product reviews and popular “get ready with me” videos, earning a devoted social media following.

Update Shocking Celeb Deaths

Us Weekly reflects on the lives of stars who departed too soon, among them Amy Winehouse, Prince, and Whitney Houston. Explore the most shocking celebrity deaths.

Keep scrolling for more about Murillo’s life and her shocking death at age 17.

Sofia Murillo Had More Than 250,000 Social Media Followers

The 17-year-old influencer reached more than 200,000 TikTok followers and nearly 50,000 Instagram followers for her lifestyle content. Many of her posts centered around her reviewing cosmetic products and offering beauty tips.

Her final post was released on August 1, focused on her fitness routine. The TikTok video has since become a makeshift memorial, with fans sharing tributes in the comment section.

“Rest in peace angel,” one fan wrote.

“I’m going to miss your tips, Sofi,” another fan replied. “You were one of the few people who managed to boost my self-esteem with your tips. I’m going to miss you so much.”

Sofia Murillo Was on Vacation With Her Family at the Time of Deadly Crash

Murillo’s uncle Victor Manrique told g1 that he was vacationing with his wife and 15-year-old daughter alongside Murillo, her mother, Wendy Manrique, and her grandmother, Rocio Cubillos, at the time of the aviation accident.

The family had apparently booked a 20-minute helicopter ride to see the famed Christ the Redeemer statue. When Murillo, her mother and grandmother boarded their flight around 11 a.m. local time, Victor said he stayed back in the hangar with his wife and daughter to take the next available helicopter.

All 4 People on Board Sofia Murillo’s Helicopter Were Killed

Murillo, Manrique and Cubillos were reportedly on board a four-seat helicopter from local tour agency Voo Rio Panorâmico, piloted by Alessandro Rocha. The aircraft went down near the scenic Vista Chinesa and crashed into a heavily wooded area.

All four people on board the helicopter were killed.

Sofia Murillo’s Deadly Helicopter Crash Caused a Fire

The explosion of the downed helicopter caused a fire to break out in the wooded hillside where the crash took place, reported local outlet g1.

Local fire department spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Fábio Contreiras, told the outlet that 40 military vehicles, 11 vehicles and four operational units took part in the recovery operation.

Who Is Sofia Murillo


Sofia Murillo
Courtesy Instagram / Sofia Murillo

“The biggest challenge for the teams right now is access, both to enter and exit the site. The aircraft crashed in a very steep, wooded area with precipitous cliffs, where it is only possible to work using rope techniques and safety equipment,” Contreiras said in a statement, translated from Portuguese to English. “When we arrived, in addition to the helicopter, there was also a fire caused by the explosion of the aircraft’s fuel. That fire has now been completely extinguished.”

The fire department statement went on, “Now, our challenge is to find faster access routes to facilitate the work of the Civil Police and Cenipa forensics teams, as well as the future removal of the bodies. We are working to make this happen as soon as possible, preferably today.”

An Investigation Into the Deadly Crash Is Ongoing

CNN Brasil reported that Rio de Janeiro’s Civil Police and Brazil’s Aeronautical Accidents Investigation and Prevention Center have opened a formal investigation into the cause of the crash.

Helicopter touring agency Voo Rio Panorâmico’s lawyer stressed to g1 that the company had all of the necessary permits to conduct tours of the area. Voo Rio Panorâmico insisted that the pilot was properly licensed to fly and the aircraft’s maintenance was fully up-to-date.

Voo Rio Panorâmico’s attorney acknowledged that the company is not yet certain what went wrong during the usually routine flight.

Man Highlights Female Colleague’s Decision to Spend ₦7,000 on Shawarma Despite Limited Budget

An intriguing debate has ignited online after a man recounted how his female colleague boldly decided to spend ₦7,000 on shawarma despite having just ₦8,000 in her bank account.

The incident unfolded as the man was driving home from work, and his colleague opted to ride along. During the journey, she requested him to make a stop at a shawarma shop, where she purchased food totaling ₦7,000.

He later observed a bank alert on her phone, indicating that she had only ₦1,000 left in her account following the indulgent purchase.

Woman explains why she bought the shawarma

Taken aback by her financial choice, the man asked why she would allocate nearly all her funds to satisfy a longing for shawarma.

The woman candidly replied, “Omo, I’ve been craving shawarma for a really long time. I can’t wait until the end of the month; I need to address my cravings now.”

The man admitted that he would struggle to make a similar decision, saying that even with ₦30,000 in his account, he would not feel comfortable spending ₦7,000 on a craving.

His observation has since highlighted differing attitudes towards personal spending, particularly when it comes to satisfying immediate wants.

Man’s observation sparks discussion

The story has drawn attention because of the contrasting approaches to money management described by the man.

While he appeared focused on preserving his available funds, his colleague prioritised satisfying a craving despite being left with just ₦1,000.

The incident has consequently triggered discussion about whether people should strictly prioritise saving and financial planning or occasionally spend money on things that make them happy.

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Mick Jagger’s Viral Dance Reinforces Timeless Moves

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Mick Jagger continues to electrify audiences with his iconic dance prowess, even at 83. The legendary artist recently uploaded a vibrant video capturing himself enjoying a night out at a club, much to the delight of his fans.

In this brief but lively clip posted on Sunday, The Rolling Stones’ dynamic frontman struts his stuff, enthusiastically waving his arms and swiveling his hips amidst a bustling dance floor. Above him, a disco ball spins, casting lights onto revelers as their latest hit, “Mr. Charm,” fills the air.

Jagger accompanied the video with a lighthearted caption: “Enjoying the summer, hope you are too.”

The moment quickly captured attention online, with the video going viral as fans celebrated the singer’s remarkable energy in the comments section.

One amazed Instagram follower commented, “I can’t believe it!! @mickjagger. You are a marvel and you’ll never cease to amaze us!! You are proof that nothing is impossible,” adding, “Age is just the passing of time, and life should be lived day by day with joy, casting aside all preconceptions!!”

“mick has more energy at 83 than i do at 30,” another fan commented.

“And so I still have to see a lot of people aged 30/40 say that they are not old enough to go out hahaha,” one social media quipped as another chimed in, “And I’m complaining about my lower back.”

“That pelvic movement at that age is out of this world, unique Mick,” gushed one commenter.

“That is just so cool never to (sic) old to party,” another added.

“I want to live like Jagger all my life,” one Instagram user wrote.

“We love you Mick. Keep on dancing,” another commented.

Some fans made playful references to Maroon 5 and Christina Aguilera’s hit 2011 song “Moves Like Jagger.”

“Wow, love seeing Mick moving like Jagger,” wrote one fan.

“dance like jagger,” another added with a thumb’s up emoji.

Released in June 2011, “Moves Like Jagger” reached the top of the Billboard Hot 100 and received a Grammy Award nomination for best pop duo/group performance at the 54th Grammy Awards.

The song follows a man trying to impress and attract a woman, using Jagger’s famously charismatic stage presence as a metaphor for confidence, swagger and romantic appeal. The music video included footage of Jagger dancing during past concerts.

In a November 2011 interview with NPR, Maroon 5’s lead singer Adam Levine reflected on how Jagger inspired the song.

“Only Jagger has the moves like Jagger. That being said, if there was ever someone to aspire to … I don’t think anyone could claim to have the moves like James Brown, or the moves like Michael Jackson, or the moves like Prince,” Levine said. “There’s something about the way [Jagger] moves that is uniquely his own and hard to imitate, but also accessible and silly and fun, and not taking itself too seriously.”

During a 2024 interview with Reuters, Jagger joked that touring as an octogenarian felt “like being on stage at 78.”

At the time, Jagger and the Rolling Stones were on their Hackney Diamonds Tour in support of their 2023 album “Hackney Diamonds.” which marked the band’s first studio album of original material in 18 years. The tour ran from April to July 2024 and was sponsored by AARP.

“I’m feeling good,” Jagger told NPR of performing on the tour. “It took a couple of shows to get into the groove, but now we’re into it.”

Jagger credited exercise and good genes for keeping him in shape, saying he does two dance rehearsals a week along with a few gym workouts. His father, Basil Fanshawe “Joe” Jagger, was a physical education teacher and fitness instructor who lived to the age of 93.

Asked how he finds the energy to dance through the Rolling Stones’ two-hour shows, Jagger said, “I just enjoy it.”

“Really, that’s the answer. I just love doing it,” he added. “You get this back and forth with the audience. You can see they’re having a good time, you’re having a good time, and it gives you a lot more energy.”

Last month, the Rolling Stones released their latest studio album “Foreign Tongues,” which featured “Mr. Charm” along with other new songs including “In the Stars,” “Rough and Twisted,” “Jealous Lover” and “Divine Intervention.”

The Rolling Stones have not announced a tour in support of the album, though Jagger has expressed hope that the band will return to the stage in 2027.

K-pop Star Dies at 26 Following Alleged Fandom Harassment

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A tragedy has struck the K-pop community as a prominent influencer ended her life amid a distressing livestream on TikTok. She faced severe harassment from fans of a well-known boy band.

Mina Chan, a Japanese social media personality who made her home in South Korea, died by suicide in the early morning hours of August 5.

Known across the digital landscape as @sweeter_nk, Chan had carved her own niche among enthusiasts of Enhypen, a South Korean boy band.

She ran a thriving fan account, frequently attended concerts and fan signings, and was an outspoken admirer of Enhypen’s Japanese member, Ni-ki.

However, in the days leading up to her passing, the fandom turned hostile, accusing her of allegedly crossing acceptable boundaries.

Chan had been at a concert in the US in late July when she had attempted to get band member Sunoo to pass flowers to Ni-ki.

It sparked backlash with relentless accusations that she had tried to overshadow the event and steal the spotlight. 

The scrutiny intensified further after Ni-ki appeared on a Weverse livestream on July 30 to discuss concert etiquette. 

K-pop influencer Mina Chan has died aged 26 after facing 'harassment' by the fandom

K-pop influencer Mina Chan has died aged 26 after facing ‘harassment’ by the fandom

Chan had become a regular face among fans of the South Korean boy band Enhypen

Chan had become a regular face among fans of the South Korean boy band Enhypen

The singer, who did not name Chan directly, spoke disparagingly about concertgoers who were more focused on receiving personal attention from the group than enjoying their performance. 

‘Everywhere we go there are a few people who really want us to notice them,’ he said. 

Ni-ki added it risked damaging the energy of a concert, which only sparked further backlash for Chan online.

In the aftermath, the dedicated fan posted an apology on X: ‘I feel like my actions ended up taking advantage of Sunoo’s kindness. 

‘I’m truly sorry. I feel so apologetic toward Sunoo and all the Sunoo fans. 

‘By attending Nhypen’s fansigns multiple times, I had deluded myself into thinking I was closer to the members than I actually was. 

‘I deeply regret the rude behavior I exhibited in America. I ruined the atmosphere of the venue by prioritizing my own desire to meet Ni-ki over the precious time Ni-ki, who loves America so much, deserved. I’m truly sorry. 

‘To everyone who has supported me as @sweeter_nk until now, thank you so much.’

Chan had been at a concert in the US when she attempted to get Sunoo to pass flowers to Ni-ki

Chan had been at a concert in the US when she attempted to get Sunoo to pass flowers to Ni-ki

In the aftermath, Chan posted a lengthy apology on X that read, in part: 'I feel like my actions ended up taking advantage of Sunoo's kindness'

In the aftermath, Chan posted a lengthy apology on X that read, in part: ‘I feel like my actions ended up taking advantage of Sunoo’s kindness’

Police received a report at 5.33am on August 5 concerning a Japanese influencer in her 20s who was attempting suicide during a TikTok livestream, according to South Korean news agency Yonhap. 

On August 6, an account said to belong to Chan’s younger sister confirmed her death through an Instagram Story.

She wrote: ‘My beloved older sister, who was always kind and warm to everyone she met, has passed away.

The statement insisted that she would not be sharing further information about the passing, before concluding: ‘I kindly ask that you keep my sister in your thoughts and prayers.’ 

Seoul’s Yongsan Police Station is reportedly investigating the exact circumstances surrounding the death.

Dozens of fans have shared their condolences under Chan’s last posts online.

On August 6, an Instagram account said to belong to Chan's sister confirmed her death

On August 6, an Instagram account said to belong to Chan’s sister confirmed her death

One wrote: ‘Rest in peace, Mina. You didn’t deserve this. You were a kind and lovely person who had a big heart. I hope you are free and found peace. 

‘My heart goes to your family and friends who had to face your loss. You will never be forgotten and I wish you could live longer to enjoy your life. I am so sad that this happened.’

Another added: ‘May your soul rest in peace, I really will always love you.’

And a third shared: ‘I hope you will be happier in the next life.’

The Daily Mail has reached out to TikTok and the band’s record label Belift Lab for comment. 

  • For urgent UK support, please call Samaritans on 116 123 or go to samaritans.org

Survivors’ Voices: Chicagoans Relive Colombia’s Devastating 7.4 Earthquake Shaking Pereira and Medellín

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CHICAGO (WLS) — In the wake of a devastating 7.4-magnitude earthquake that rocked Colombia, rescue teams are tirelessly working to find survivors amid the rubble. Meanwhile, Chicago’s Colombian community, along with residents currently in the region, are sharing their harrowing stories and sending heartfelt prayers to those impacted by the calamity.

According to authorities, the earthquake has claimed 132 lives and left 572 others injured, striking the country’s western expanse early on Monday. Dramatic footage from Pereira captures the chaos, with buildings reduced to ruins and residents grappling with the stark aftermath of nature’s fury.

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Silvana Botero, a Chicago local, found herself in Medellín visiting family with her son, Juan Pablo Lopez, when the earth began to tremble.

“I’m so scared because, you know, you don’t know what’s going to happen,” Botero admitted, articulating the anxiety felt by many in the quake’s wake.

Lopez, recounting his experience, said he was asleep when the violent shaking roused him from his slumber.

“I thought it was a dream. I was like, wait, I was just sleeping. Then, my grandma was screaming. I was like, ‘Oh, my God, I got to get up,'” Lopez said.

Botero said her thoughts immediately turned to her family and the possibility of buildings collapsing around them.

“The only thing that I did was like grabbing my grandma, looking at the buildings, and all I kept thinking like, ‘Am I going to see buildings falling? Like, what’s going on?'” she said.

While Medellín was spared the catastrophic damage reported in other parts of the country, former Chicago resident Tom Pardue said the earthquake was still powerful.

“It started shaking a lot. I was like, ‘Oh my God, this thing could fall,'” Pardue said.

Pardue said the quake caused visible damage to his building.

“One of my walls cracked and, in the hallways, the walls cracked as well,” he said.

Back in Chicago, members of the Colombian community spent the day checking on family and friends.

Walter Bohorquez, manager of his family’s Mekato’s Colombian Bakery on the North Side, said hearing about the earthquake immediately prompted him to call relatives in Colombia.

“When I woke up this morning, and I heard about the earthquake, the first thing that passed in my mind was calling my family,” Bohorquez said.

Bohorquez said his father is currently in Colombia and felt the earthquake. While his family was not injured, he said his wife’s relatives told him about widespread fear and destruction.

“They say that it’s like it’s like a movie. It’s like a movie because you see people crying, people running. The buildings collapse,” Bohorquez said.

He said his wife’s family is from Cali, one of the hardest hit areas. Bohorquez said they described feeling the earthquake strongly and said many people remain afraid to return to their homes.

“My wife’s family, they say that they felt very, very you know-the earthquake felt very strong. And they’re afraid, afraid of going back to their houses,” Bohorquez said.

Bohorquez said the images and reports coming out of Colombia have been difficult to watch.

“I just want people to pray for Colombia. I just want people to join in praying for Colombia so we can find more people alive,” he said.

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Why the US is Investing $500 Million in a Small Australian Town: The China Connection Revealed

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Located approximately six hours west of Sydney, the small town of Fifield, near Parkes, is home to just over 130 residents according to the latest Census. Yet, this quiet town has unexpectedly found itself at the heart of a significant strategic initiative by the US government.

The United States Department of Defense has agreed to provide a substantial conditional loan of US$400 million (approximately $566 million) to Sunrise Energy Metals, an Australian corporation. This company aims to deliver the first global supply of an essential critical mineral outside of China’s control.

Listed as a critical mineral in both Australia and the United States, scandium plays a vital role in sectors such as aerospace and defense due to its strategic importance.

This financial injection marks the latest effort by the US government to diversify its critical mineral supply chains and decrease reliance on Chinese sources. However, achieving this goal will demand ongoing funding and strong governmental support.

Why scandium is on the radar

Highly coveted for its unique properties, scandium is essential in manufacturing ultra-high-strength alloys, which are crucial for the cutting-edge technology used in modern fighter jets. Additionally, it plays a pivotal role in solid oxide fuel cells, which are indispensable for ensuring the stable power supply necessary for artificial intelligence (AI) data centers.

Two factors have contributed to the sudden interest in scandium.

First, demand for scandium is being driven by massive increases in defence spending across North America, Europe and Asia and an investment boom in power-hungry AI data centres.

Second, China’s sweeping export controls on rare earth elements, including scandium, have contributed to a persistent shortage of supply on the global market, pushing up prices.

These export controls are designed to maintain China’s dominance of supply chains for key critical minerals and slow down the US defence and industrial base.

Still, the market for scandium is tiny. According to statistics from the US Geological Survey, the entire world only consumed 60 tonnes of the metal in 2025.

The world’s first dedicated mine

Scandium is usually found in very small quantities. For that reason, until now, it has been exclusively produced as a byproduct of nickel and titanium processing.

This is what sets the Sunrise Energy Metals project apart — the proposed mine has scandium deposits in a high enough concentration to be the first primary source of scandium in the world.

If production goes ahead, and lives up to its promise of producing 60 tonnes of high-purity scandium each year by 2028, this would be enough to completely satisfy the current level of global demand.

According to the company, there is also potential to expand the project in the future and add another 120 tonnes of production.

China still has leverage

The deal gives the US government first rights to purchase scandium from Sunrise Energy Metals, with production expected to start in late 2028.

However, there are some risks for this project’s economics. While China continues to restrict its exports, scandium will continue to fetch a high price. But China has the ability to remove those restrictions at any time, flooding the market with low-cost scandium and potentially squeezing Sunrise Energy Metals’ profits.

China has played this card before with lithium, flooding the market and making some Western mines uneconomic.

Many other rare earth elements projects also face this risk. That’s partly why earlier this year, in a US$96 million deal (about $136 million) with another Australian mining company, Lynas, the Pentagon agreed to price floors, to shield Lynas from potential price crashes.

Adding to this, the Pentagon’s multi-million-dollar loan to Sunrise Energy Metals is just that — a loan. It must be paid back, potentially with interest.

The loan is also conditional on a number of milestones. These include the construction of a scandium metal refining facility in the US that can produce a range of different military grade scandium compounds.

When you consider the major upfront capital costs required to produce a small amount of the metal, and overlay the threat of low-cost, subsidised Chinese production, the risks of this kind of investment become clear.

Success isn’t guaranteed

While this project is critical to US defence and strategic ambitions, its success will require long-term investment and government support.

The NSW government, for its part, has chipped in with an offer to defer royalties for five years.

As long as China has the ability to flood the global market with cheap critical minerals – whether its graphite, gallium, or in this case, scandium – projects like these are vulnerable to price crashes.

The US and Australia should consider whether a price floor on scandium is necessary to protect this critical supply chain for the long term.

Robert Monterosso is a research fellow in the United States Studies Centre’s Economic Security Program. He does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.


The Conversation

Anne Hathaway Claps Back at Trolls Accusing Her of Faking Pregnancy After Outfit Criticism

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Anne Hathaway is chuckling at the rumor mill churning out stories that she’s faking her pregnancy.

On Monday, the acclaimed actress, now 43, took a witty approach on Instagram to dismiss speculation about her ‘faux’ baby bump. This followed a moment when a so-called ‘ridiculous’ maternity ensemble she sported on Sunday captured widespread online attention.

In a playful caption accompanying a behind-the-scenes video montage, Hathaway quipped, “Fake hair, real bump. Dive into The End Of Oak Street Block Party chaos with me as you watch my outfit literally evaporate in the heat!!”

The video showcases the Oscar-winning actress in her element, surrounded by her glam squad. A stylist is seen making adjustments by adding a hairpiece for that extra ponytail volume, to which Hathaway candidly confesses, “It’s not my hair.”

Hathaway made a striking appearance at the Los Angeles premiere of her new film, “The End Of Oak Street,” over the weekend. She confidently flaunted her midriff with a cropped top and low-rise jeans, shortly after announcing this summer that she and her husband, Adam Shulman, are excitedly anticipating their third child.

Fans went wild on TikTok, with a slew of comments accusing her of wearing a prosthetic bump.

Anne Hathaway is laughing off rumors that she's feigning her third pregnancy

Anne Hathaway is laughing off rumors that she’s feigning her third pregnancy

The 43-year-old actress wrote in the caption of an Instagram video, 'Fake hair, real bump'

The 43-year-old actress wrote in the caption of an Instagram video, ‘Fake hair, real bump’

‘Why does it look fake?’ asked one internet user, with the comment collecting nearly 6,000 likes.

Another person added, ‘It does look fake. There’s body makeup on it.’

Others came to Hathaway’s defense, explaining her stomach looks different than other pregnant women’s because she’s in great shape.

‘It looks different because she was already fit and probably continues to work out, so she is all muscle and baby!’ said one fan.

And someone else commented on the star’s Instagram post, ‘The fact that other women were questioning her literal pregnant belly because “mine didn’t look like that” is so strange to me.’ 

The actress had been trolled for modeling a custom baby blue high-low Prabal Gurung halter top made of silk and boasting a floor-grazing train with low-rise jeans from La Ligne’s Jenny. 

One critic wrote online that the outfit ‘looks ridiculous’, another shared, ‘This one is so wrong, sorry,’ and a third exclaimed, ‘Jeans? JEANS?! That dazzling top deserves a better companion’.

Fans went wild on TikTok, with a slew of comments accusing her of wearing a prosthetic bump

Fans went wild on TikTok, with a slew of comments accusing her of wearing a prosthetic bump

A stylist is seen securing a hairpiece to her ponytail as Hathaway admits: 'It's not my hair'

A stylist is seen securing a hairpiece to her ponytail as Hathaway admits: ‘It’s not my hair’

Hathaway hit headlines earlier this summer when she announced she was expecting her third child at the age of 43.  

Hathaway shares sons Jonathan, ten, and Jack, six, with Shulman, whom she wed in 2012. 

While appearing on Late Night with Seth Meyers in July, she got candid about her pregnancy.

‘I mean, we knew what we were doing, but we were so shocked it worked!’ she said about finding out she was with child. 

‘We were so shocked it went this way’, the actress echoed about her and her husband’s surprise at their baby news.

She described the pregnancy as a ‘buzzer beater’.

And remarking on becoming pregnant in her 40s, she recently told Access Hollywood: ‘There’s always hope until there’s not, but when you get to a certain age, that hope looks like 1 per cent to 2 per cent.

‘So we just decided to see where life took us, with a very, very healthy, realistic expectation, which was very low.’

Hathaway shared, ‘We’re overjoyed because we just know from personal experience that not everybody gets this, and certainly not when you want it – sometimes not ever.’

Florida Woman Allegedly Fakes Cancer in $40K Scam, Authorities Reveal

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A woman in Florida has been taken into custody following allegations that she faked having cancer to swindle over $40,000 from more than 200 individuals, reportedly to settle her personal liabilities.

Facing serious charges, Maribeth Ellen Jones, a 51-year-old resident of Bonita Springs, has been accused of grand theft with amounts ranging between $20,000 and $100,000. Jones surrendered at the Naples Jail Center after Collier County detectives issued a warrant charging her with this second-degree felony, as confirmed by the Sheriff’s Office.

As a community activities director, Jones allegedly deceived residents over two years, from 2022 to 2024, claiming she was battling cancer. Her plea sparked generosity, with over 200 individuals donating funds under the false impression that she was in desperate need of financial support for her supposed medical treatments.

OHIO BROTHERS WHO POSED AS MIDDLE EASTERN ROYALTY RECEIVE LENGTHY SENTENCE FOR $21M FRAUD SCHEME

Maribeth Ellen Jones

Maribeth Ellen Jones, 51, of Bonita Springs, has been charged with grand theft between $20,000 and $100,000. (Collier County Sheriff’s Office)

Detectives said she even pretended her condition was worsening and had community members cut her hair to make it appear she was preparing to undergo chemotherapy.

Community members created a GoFundMe page for Jones that was linked to her personal bank account, according to the sheriff’s office. They also gave her cash and personal checks.

Jones had been the beneficiary of two previous GoFundMe campaigns in which she also claimed to have cancer, the sheriff’s office said.

Collier County Sheriff's Office car

Detectives said the woman had community members cut her hair to keep up the appearance and make it seem like she was preparing for chemotherapy. (Collier County Sheriff’s Office)

“GoFundMe has zero tolerance for the misuse of our platform and anyone who seeks to take advantage of the generosity of others,” a GoFundMe spokesperson told Fox 13.

“We can confirm fundraisers organized on behalf of Maribeth Jones were removed from our platform, and her account was banned for any future fundraising. More than $41,000 was refunded to donors on the platform through GoFundMe’s Giving Guarantee, which offers a full refund in the rare case something isn’t right,” the spokesperson continued.

Detectives said their investigation determined Jones did not have cancer and that she used the donated money to pay personal debts.

Collier County Sheriff's Office truck

Detectives discovered that Maribeth Ellen Jones lied about having cancer and used the money to pay her personal debts. (Collier County Sheriff’s Office)

She is accused of defrauding 238 Naples residents out of more than $40,000.

“This is an appalling case because it exploited the kindness and generosity of people who truly wanted to help someone they believed was fighting for her life,” Sheriff Kevin Rambosk said in a statement. “If you lie to steal from the generosity of others in Collier County, we will arrest you and hold you accountable.”

“This type of scam not only hurts victims financially, it undermines trust in legitimate fundraisers for people who genuinely need help,” Rambosk added.

Illinois Steakhouse Faces Legal Battle as Marine Vet Joe Belgio Suffers Brain Damage from Contaminated Oysters

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A devastating turn of events has left a Marine Corps veteran and retired Illinois firefighter grappling with life-changing health challenges. Joe Belgio, 44, has spent over a year hospitalized due to severe brain injuries, which reportedly stem from consuming raw oysters.

The incident took place at Gibsons Steakhouse & Bar in Oak Brook, located roughly 15 miles from Chicago’s bustling downtown. According to a lawsuit acquired by ABC 7 Chicago, Belgio encountered tragic consequences after dining on contaminated oysters on June 30, 2025. As a result, he suffered a cardiac arrest, plunged into a prolonged coma, and now endures permanent brain damage.

Melanie Stayer, Belgio’s fiancée, shared that they were celebrating with family on what seemed a joyous occasion, completely unaware of the impending tragedy.

Reflecting on that fateful day, Stayer described it as a simple celebration at a beloved restaurant with a man who cherished life’s moments with family. The couple had recently welcomed their daughter, Carmela, who was only five months old during the incident. “Life can change so quickly,” she expressed, recounting the abrupt shift to distress from joy.

Tragedy deepened when, three days post-consumption of the tainted oysters, Belgio suffered cardiac arrest. His attorney, Scott O’Sullivan, revealed that Belgio lost consciousness and was deprived of oxygen for a critical duration of at least eight minutes.

O’Sullivan said Belgio was revived by the Cicero Fire Department, the same department in which he had previously served, before being rushed to the hospital.

His attorney said doctors screened Belgio for bacteria and found several pathogens in his system.

The lawsuit alleges Belgio contracted two dangerous bacteria from the oysters — Enteropathogenic E. coli, known as EPEC, and Plesiomonas shigelloides, CBS News reported.

The 44-year-old spent months in a coma after falling ill and has since been confined to a hospital bed — requiring around-the-clock care.

“He is most likely bedridden for the rest of his life,” O’Sullivan said. “He is extremely brain damaged, with very little cognitive capacity, and will need care for the rest of his life.”

Gibsons released a statement to ABC 7 Chicago saying “there have been no other reported cases of illness.”

“Based on the facts and our internal investigation, there is no evidence to suggest that our establishment caused his health condition. We are confident that a fair and thorough legal process will agree with this conclusion,” a spokesperson for the steakhouse said.

Two other seafood suppliers, Supreme Lobster and Seafood Company, have also been named in the lawsuit, according to ABC 7 Chicago.

A GoFundMe set up to help Belgio and his family pay for care describes him as a loving father, Little League coach and “a man dedicated to service.”

“An ex-Marine and firefighter who has devoted his life to protecting others and serving his country,” the page reads.

“He completed a courageous tour of duty in Iraq, demonstrating unwavering loyalty and heart every step of the way. Joe has always been the first to lend a hand when help is needed.”

Since launching on July 8, 2025, the page has raised over $85,000.

Belgio has already racked up more than $1 million in medical bills, CBS News reported.