Former Newsmax TV anchor Dick Farrel died on Wednesday of complications from COVID-19 after sharing his opinions against the vaccine for months, WPTV reported.
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Farrel was known as a right-wing radio host in Florida before becoming an anchor for Newsmax TV later in life.
"He was known as the other Rush Limbaugh. With a heavy heart, I can only say this was so unexpected. He will be missed," Farrel's partner, Kit Farley, shared in a Facebook post, WPTV reported.
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Farrel was known for his hot takes and was a strong advocate against the Covid-19 vaccines. He took to social media to share these opinions calling them "bogus" at one point. He even called Dr. Anthony Fauci a "lying freak."
Farley shared a completely different opinion on the virus following Farrel's passing. First, sharing on Facebook that "he fought like a tiger." Then, saying, "Please don't put off getting attention for this illness."
"Yes, for some it has minimal effects, but others it is deadly," she added. "We will always love Dick Farrel, always appreciate his spirit, and miss him greatly."
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After contracting the virus, Farrel's attitude changed about the virus and the vaccines, WPTV reported.
"COVID 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!'" Amy Leigh Hair, a friend of Farrel's, wrote on Facebook following his passing.
According to his obituary, he was born Farrel Austin Levit, on Aug. 1, 1956, in New York City, where he graduated from Queens College before going into broadcasting. In his career, he worked for several radio stations across the state of Florida.