Usain Bolt Denies Cigarettes Were Cause of His Father’s Death…

Usain Bolt Denies Cigarettes Were Cause of His Father’s Death…

 

Kingston, Jamaica – June 21, 2025 — Olympic legend Usain Bolt has broken his silence on a swirling social media rumor suggesting that cigarette smoking caused the death of his father, Wellesley Bolt. Speaking in an exclusive statement to Jamaican media, Bolt firmly denied the claim, stating that his father’s death was the result of a stroke and long-term illness, not tobacco-related issues.

“My father didn’t die because of cigarettes,” Bolt said. “He had health complications for some time, and his passing was due to a stroke and the effects of age and illness.”

Wellesley Bolt passed away on March 31, 2025, at the age of 68. He was hospitalized in Kingston after suffering a stroke, which, according to family and medical sources, left him in a fragile condition from which he never fully recovered.

Rumors Sparked by Social Media Speculation

Speculation about the role of cigarettes in Wellesley Bolt’s death began circulating online in April, shortly after his funeral arrangements were made public. A viral post, shared widely on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter), claimed that Usain Bolt had “blamed cigarettes” for his father’s declining health. However, no video, interview, or reputable news source ever confirmed this claim.

“It’s sad to see how quickly misinformation spreads,” said Bolt. “My father was not a smoker, and that kind of rumor is not only false, it’s also deeply hurtful during a time of mourning.”

A Legacy of Quiet Strength

Born in St. Ann, Jamaica, Wellesley Bolt spent most of his life in Sherwood Content, a rural town in Trelawny Parish. He worked for years at the Jamaica Coffee Board and later ran a modest grocery shop. He was widely respected in his community for his humility, integrity, and support of others—often helping neighbors who couldn’t afford groceries by allowing credit or waiving debts.

Usain Bolt has often referred to his father as his “moral compass,” crediting him for much of the discipline and focus that fueled his success on the track.

“He never asked for credit. He just worked hard, supported his family, and stood by us quietly,” Bolt said during the funeral service held on May 4, 2025, in Falmouth, Trelawny.

A Call for Respect and Responsible Reporting

In addressing the rumor, Bolt encouraged fans and the public to focus on the truth and the memory of his father’s life, not on speculation.

“I understand the world we live in, where people want stories and clicks,” Bolt said. “But let’s not do that at the expense of someone’s legacy or someone’s pain.”

Final Word

There is no medical or factual basis linking Wellesley Bolt’s death to cigarette use. His passing was due to health complications following a stroke. The public is urged to be mindful when consuming or sharing unverified information, especially in sensitive matters involving grieving families.

Wellesley Bolt is survived by his wife, Jennifer, and three children, including the world’s fastest man—Usain Bolt.