A LOS ANGELES man who mocked Covid-19 vaccines has died after contracting the virus.
Stephen Harmon, a member of the Hillsong megachurch, tweeted in the days before his death on Wednesday that he would put his faith in God over ventilators.
Hillsong founder Brian Houston confirmed Harmon’s death in an Instagram post, describing him as “one of the most generous people I know”.
However he added: “Stephen’s thoughts on vaccines were his own.”
Skeptical
Last month, Harmon, 34, tweeted: “I got 99 problems but a vax ain’t one.”
He also referred to vaccine surveyors as “JaCovid Witnesses” alongside the hashtag #keepmovingdork
Please don’t be like Stephen Harmon. This is serious people! pic.twitter.com/QOOpaQi8if
— Childish Bambino👨🏾💻 (@SwagIsLoading) July 22, 2021
Even after being admitted to hospital, where he was treated for Covid and pneumonia, Harmon remained skeptical.
Three days before his death, he tweeted: “If you don’t have faith that God can heal me over your stupid ventilator then keep the Hell out of my ICU room, there’s no room in here for fear or lack of faith!”
However he later tweeted he had decided to be intubated to help him breathe, asking his followers to pray for him.
‘So much in front of him’
Confirming Harmon’s death on Thursday, Harmon wrote: “Stephen was just a young man in his early 30’s. He was a graduate from Hillsong College and a vital part of our church in California.
“He was one of the most generous people I know and he had so much in front of him. He would always turn up to our grandkids soccer games and he will be missed by so many. RIP.”
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However he added: “NOTE: Stephen’s thoughts on vaccines were his own. They do not represent the views and thoughts of Hillsong Church.
“Many of our pastors, staff, and congregation are fully vaccinated and more will be when vaccines become available to them in their countries.”
