Emanuel Steward Dies? Death Reports Not True, Says Sister

Emanuel Steward has died Thursday, according to some reports which cited Steward's "friends."

Emanuel Steward Dies?

Contrary to the reports, a sibling of the legendary boxing trainer said he is not dead.

In a text message sent to WXYZ-TV (Channel 7) at 11:25am Thursday morning, Steward's sister Diane Steward-Jones said their family is "dismayed and greatly disheartened and disappointed" with the false reports.

"You can tell folks that he is alive and being treated by some of the best experts in the world.  The Steward family is dismayed and greatly disheartened and disappointed that during this personally challenging time, people would callously and thoughtlessly run wild with untrue statements in order to garner their '15 minutes of fame.' Where is the moral compass of those seeking to capitalize on this situation? Does anybody take the time to check out the facts anymore? Many of those issuing reckless statements have our phone numbers as well as Emanuel's office number and yet, they haven't called, just issued statements that are terrorizing Emanuel's children, siblings and relatives that aren't able to be here at the hospital. SHAME ON THEM!  He has feelings and we, his family, have feelings.  Consider that and give us our privacy to help our loved ones," she said.

Among the websites which reported Steward's death was TMZ, which has taken down its report.

Detroit Free Press, which also reported the boxing icon's death, has also deleted its earlier report and made a new one containing an interview with Steward-Jones.

"Emanuel is still with us," she told the Free Press Thursday afternoon. "He hasn't left his room. There is no shade over his head."

Steward, 68, underwent an operation recently for diverticulosis, a serious stomach ailment.

Steward trained a slew of champions, most notably Thomas Hearns, Lennox Lewis and Wladimir Klitschko, and was elected to the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1996. He also ran the legendary Kronk Gym in Detroit, and it consistently produced elite fighters for decades.

Update: Emanuel Steward has passed away, his sister confirmed later that day.