[UPDATED] Denyse Plummer is not dead, family disappointed by false media reports

AMID swirling rumours on social media and even a fake story carried online by a daily newspaper early Wednesday morning, the family of ailing former national calypso monarch Denyse Plummer issued a statement declaring she had not died.

The rumour mill began churning around 10 am with some people posting "RIP Denyse Plummer" on Facebook. The newspaper subsequently published its false story online, in which it even quoted the last post made by Plummer on her FB page.

However, Newsday made several checks which revealed that news of Plummer's "death" were patently false.

As condemnation over the false information also began to spread, that newspaper quickly pulled its original story and replaced it with one which declared that Plummer was, "alive and well."

Plummer's family posted to social media shortly after saying the singer was alive and resting at home on that rainy Wednesday.

"We have received an overwhelming outpour of love and support today and for that we are humbled and very appreciative. It goes without saying we are quite disappointed the media would put this news into the public eye without proper verification, but what’s done is done.

"We just wanted to assure her family, friends and fans that she’s still with us and thanks again for all the love and support. God Bless," the family statement said.

This statement mirrored one given to Newsday earlier by Plummer's son Jesse Boocock.

During that interview, he said, “she is still with us,” adding that he was “very disappointed” with social media and other media reports which proclaimed his mother had died without trying to seek verification.

The veteran calypsonian, 69, has been receiving treatment for stage-four cancer. In May, a benefit concert called Thankful was held by the Denyse Plummer Foundation.

In 2001, Plummer won the Calypso Monarch and made it to the finals many four times before that.

She also won the Calypso Queen competition.

This story was originally published with the title "Son: My mom, Denyse Plummer, is not dead" and has been adjusted to include additional details. See original post below.

CONTRARY to rumours on social media and even a misleading report by a media outlet, Denyse Plummer did not die on Wednesday morning.

The former calypso monarch’s son verified that she was still, "very much alive and with us."

Plummer’s son Jesse Boocock confirmed to Newsday during a phone interview on Wednesday morning. The veteran calypsonian has been receiving treatment for stage four cancer.

“She is still with us,” Boocock said.

He added that he was “very disappointed” with social media and other media reports claiming his mother had died without even trying to verify with Plummer's family and close associates.

A benefit concert was held for her in May.