Devarjaye DJ Daniel Death Rumors Are False: Honorary Secret Service Agent Is Alive

Viral social media posts falsely claiming that Devarjaye "DJ Daniel" Daniel died on February 23, 2026 ET are completely fabricated. Multiple verified fact-checkers, the United States Secret Service, and DJ's own family have all publicly confirmed the rumors are false. The 14-year-old Texas teenager, who has courageously battled terminal brain and spinal cancer since 2018, is alive.

DJ Daniel Death Rumors: How the Misinformation Spread

Rumors that 13-year-old Devarjaye DJ Daniel had died spread across social platforms on February 24, 2026 ET, prompting widespread tributes and concern. Posts circulating with monochrome images claimed that DJ Daniel had been announced by his family to have passed away on February 23, 2026.

The false claims flooded X, Threads, and other platforms, asserting that DJ Daniel had passed away. The family and official accounts have not announced any death, and verified users moved quickly to correct the record. The posts mimicked the look and language of legitimate obituary announcements, making them easy to share before verification.

U.S. Secret Service Celebrates DJ Daniel's First Anniversary as Honorary Agent

The most definitive rebuttal of the DJ Daniel death rumors came directly from the United States Secret Service. The U.S. Secret Service posted a message on X on February 24, 2026 ET — the very day the false death claims were circulating — congratulating DJ on completing his first year as an honorary agent and thanking him for the dedication and enthusiasm he continues to bring to the role.

DJ Daniel remains alive as of February 2026, though his health continues to be closely monitored. His father, Theodis Daniel, has repeatedly urged the public to rely only on verified family updates amid growing online misinformation. The Secret Service post, published the same day as the alleged death, made the fabricated claims impossible to sustain.

Who Is Devarjaye DJ Daniel?

Devarjaye DJ Daniel is a native of Pearland, Texas, who was diagnosed with terminal brain and spinal cancer in 2018. Doctors initially gave him just five months to live — a prognosis he has repeatedly defied in the years since his diagnosis.

After police officers helped his family when they were displaced by Hurricane Harvey, DJ set out to be sworn in as an honorary officer by as many law enforcement agencies as possible. Over the years he has been honored by more than 1,300 agencies nationwide. He has undergone more than a dozen brain surgeries throughout his battle with the disease.

President Trump Made DJ Daniel an Honorary Secret Service Agent in 2025

DJ Daniel's most historic moment of recognition came from the highest office in the country. His most notable recognition came in March 2025 when President Donald Trump, during a joint address to Congress, directed the Secret Service to officially make DJ an honorary agent — the youngest person ever to receive that distinction. The ceremony included the presentation of a badge and credentials and earned a rare standing ovation from members of both parties.

Following the March 2025 recognition, DJ continued to advocate for children battling serious illnesses. He visited the Secret Service training center and took part in honorary ceremonies with other agencies, including a unique swearing-in as deputy mayor for public safety in New York City.

DJ Daniel's Father: Trust Only Official Family Updates

DJ's father Theodis Daniel has made the family's position unmistakably clear in the face of recurring death hoaxes. Following similar rumors in January 2026, DJ's dad Theodis Daniel stated plainly that if any update does not come from him, his dad, or people close to the family, it is not true.

DJ Daniel's most recent Instagram update, dated February 15, shows him continuing his usual activities with no indication of any life-threatening developments. Several verified accounts came forward to dispel the rumors, with users on X highlighting the spread of misinformation and urging the public not to share unverified posts. The DJ Daniel death hoax represents yet another reminder of the devastating speed at which fabricated online content can spread grief and panic among millions of followers before facts have a chance to catch up.