Oh god. What do I do? I'm going crazy.

I just got a call from my old boss who I haven't spoken to in years. She said she heard that my dear friend Michael (he and I both worked for her years ago) had died and was wondering if I had any details. The problem is that I hadn't heard ANYTHING about this. She heard from her brother-in-law that Michael had been admitted to the hospital yesterday with some strange virus and had died.

I of course immediately called his work number (they said he had the day off) and his home, where I left a message for him or his SO to call me right away. I called my bosses' brother-in-law (whom I know fairly well but can't figure out how he would know about Michael) but got his voicemail.

Michael's SO doesn't have a cell phone or anything, and in fact is a musician who is often touring overseas. So god knows if he's even in the country right now. Michael's mother has a different last name and I have no idea what it is. Michael himself has a very common last name so I don't know how I would begin finding family members of his, especially since his siblings all have a different last name than him. I even called his work a second time to explain that I'd heard Michael was ill and I was worried about him, but the person who answered was pretty snippy with me. It's certainly possible that they don't even know yet because he works retail and often has Monday and Tuesday off.

I tried calling a couple of hospitals and can't get information. Plus, I'm in Chicago so there are only about a million places he might be. Of course, if he is dead then he's probably at a funeral home by now. Oh god. I am freaking out.

Is there anything else you all can think of that I can do? I'm racking my brain and I've already left a jillion messages with the one person that had any information at all.



Lesson learned: know the contact/emergency information for everyone you love because if something like this happens you will be tearing your hair out trying to figure out what to do.

but my heart goes out to you right now... hope the confusion ends soon... and that your old boss was mistaken.

What an awful thing to find out!

Maybe on-line obituaries? I'm not sure how often those are updated, but that's where I'd start.

Thank heavens I don't need to look any longer.

since that's where she heard it. He can at least direct you to the person that told him.

I'm so sorry...You must be going crazy! :hug::hug::hug:

But thanks for the hugs!

I finally decided to call the other location of his store because I know the manager there is a friend of Michael's. LO AND BEHOLD, Michael himself just happened to be at the store and picked up the phone himself.

He had NO IDEA how that rumor got started. He had NO IDEA how our ex-boss' brother-in-law would have found out. And he's perfectly healthy.

What a relief. I cannot begin to tell you. The panic that cause me...

My lesson still holds though. I even told Michael that he has to give me some contact information in case anything ever happens to him.

I am so relieved for you. :hug:

I sure could use a hug right now. And a stiff drink.

:hug:

:hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:

That must have put you through the wringer.

You must be so relieved!
I'm glad for both of you! :beer:

What is wrong with people spreading that kind of unconfirmed info?

:bounce:

Your old boss' brother-in-law? That's where I'd start.

Or, did his work help at all? They would have contact info.

I suppose, if you explain to the authorities this situation, they could look up neighbors' phone nubmers...if they could help. Just some ideas.

Good luck!

messages, including one asking where the heck he'd gotten such faulty information.

did you leave another message? bless your heart that is terrible to have to go through, thank goodness it turned out well.

like Twain said, 'Rumors of my death...'

Something similar happened to me once, and after a wild goose chase, turns out it was untrue. I couldn't figure out why someone would start a rumor, except in order to figure out possible channels of communication. (The person who started the rumor was really :tinfoilhat:

My old boss actually fired my friend while I was on vacation so I couldn't raise a stink (I quit a few months later) and she had a terrible temper at times, especially to Michael. He in turn could not stand her. She was generally nice to me because I was friends with her husband (the owner of the company) before she even met him. But I'm sure she talked about me behind my back (and I in turn did my share of bitching about her so I guess we're even). So it did occur to me to even wonder why she cared, and why she was contacting me after so long. Her brother-in-law is a good person (if a bit flaky) so I doubt he had any ulterior motives. But it is bizarre.

I have to admit also that I was frustrated that someone Michael didn't like at all would know about something happening to him before I would. I know that sounds stupid but it's true.

Per OP's request. She also wants to thank everyone for their support.

I'm glad it turned out okay.

Thank you,

Call Me Wesley
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