Ex-Newsmax Host Who Called Dr. Fauci A 'Lying Freak' Dies Of Virus After Urging Others To Get Vaccine

Dick Farrel, a former anchor from right-wing TV outlet Newsmax, once spouted false claims about the virus responsible for the global health crisis.

But when the conservative radio host from West Palm Beach, Florida contracted the viral pathogen after staunchly advocating against the vaccine and its proven efficacy, he changed his tune and urged friends and family to get vaccinated.

Farrel died shortly after a brief struggle with the virus. He was 65.

His close friend, Amy Leigh Hair, posted a tribute to Farrel on Facebook and said his last-minute pivot from vaccine hesitancy was the reason she got inoculated.

"[The virus] took one of my best friends! RIP Dick Farrel. He is the reason I took the shot."

"He texted me and told me to 'Get it!' He told me this virus is no joke and he said, 'I wish I had gotten it!'"

Hair later told local station WPTV"

"I was one of the people like him who didn't trust the vaccine. I trusted my immune system."

"I just became more afraid of getting [the virus] than I was of any possible side effects of the vaccine. I'm glad I got vaccinated."

His death is an example of many vaccine-hesitant advocates who have succumbed to the illness from the viral pathogen.

Prior to his illness back in July, Farrel, whose real name is Farrel Austin Levitt, called the vaccine "Bull Shid" in a Facebook post.

He later argued:

"Why take a vax promoted by people who lied 2u all along about masks?"

In addition to frequently disseminating baseless conspiracy theories on the presidential election, the ardent supporter of former President Donald Trump railed against Dr. Anthony Fauci and called him a "power-tripping lying freak."

He also accused "power trip libb loons" Democrats of conspiring to make it appear as if the pandemic was ongoing as a power grab moment.

People had little sympathy for someone who was responsible for spreading dangerous misinformation about the virus and possibly resulted in him having blood on his hands.

Farrel's partner, Kit Farley, wrote on Facebook:

"He was known as the other Rush Limbaugh. With a heavy heart, I can only say this was so unexpected. He will be missed."

A vast majority of the U.S. population is continuing to believe in false claims about the virus and refusing to get vaccinated.