CENTRALIA — Rumors on social media can sometimes take on a life of their own, growing faster and going farther than rumors in the past. They can also cause greater pain and anguish for loved ones and even law enforcement.

A recent local rumor claimed a Centralia man had been found beaten to death and his body thrown into a dumpster. The man in question is known to local authorities who were suspicious of the accuracy of the rumors nonetheless took time and manpower away from other investigations to look into the social media claims.

The same day officers were searching for the man rumored to be dead; they were also investigating information into the shooting death case of Centralia teen Jaden Krauss from the 13-year-old juvenile male currently detained in connection with the case..

According to Centralia Police Chief Brian Atchison, officers were able to confirm that the man is alive and unharmed and that his family members have been informed. However, despite confirmation that he’s alive, people continue to share the rumor claiming the man is dead.

So when you read something on social media, check your dates and check your sources. If your local news outlets haven’t covered the claims, it’s probably because they were found to be either lacking in substance or unproven and more than likely false.