In the digital age, legends never truly die—sometimes, quite literally, according to the internet. It has been over seven years since the tragic murder of Jahseh Onfroy, globally known as XXXTentacion, in Deerfield Beach, Florida. Yet, for a massive legion of devoted fans, the story didn’t end on that fateful June day in 2018. Instead, it sparked a digital phenomenon reminiscent of the Elvis Presley conspiracies of the 20th century, fueled by viral TikToks, grainy footage, and an undying hope that the rap icon is still out there, watching from the shadows.

A recent viral wave has reignited these conversations, compiling “10 Times XXXTentacion Was Caught on Camera After His Death.” These alleged sightings range from the plausible to the paranormal, painting a picture of a fanbase grappling with grief in a world where deepfakes and misinformation reign supreme.

The Bermuda Mystery and the Island Escape

The conspiracy theories began almost immediately after his passing. By August 2018, rumors swirled that X had been found alive by local authorities off the coast of Bermuda. The theory was seductive: a troubled artist faking his death to escape mounting legal pressure and domestic abuse charges, fleeing to the mysterious waters of the Bermuda Triangle. It was a narrative fit for a movie, bolstered by fake CNN headlines circulating on social media. In reality, it was a cruel prank by internet trolls, yet it set the stage for years of speculation.

This escapist fantasy evolved during the 2020 pandemic. As the world locked down, a new rumor emerged claiming high-definition drone footage had captured X living on a remote island in the Caribbean or Pacific. Believers analyzed shadows and silhouettes, convinced that the rapper had embraced a hermit lifestyle, channeling the isolation themes of his album 17. While the “footage” was nothing more than stock video and wishful thinking, it highlighted how desperate fans were to believe he had found the peace he often sang about wanting.

Hiding in Plain Sight: The Super Bowl and NBA Finals

The theories aren’t limited to remote hideaways. Some of the most audacious claims place the rapper at some of the world’s most-watched events. In February 2019, blurry crowd shots from the Super Bowl in Atlanta led to whispers that X was in the stands, disguised in a hoodie.

Fast forward to the recent 2025 NBA Finals, and the phenomenon persists. During the dramatic Game 7 between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers, social media erupted with claims that a figure in the crowd—sporting dark shades and a face mask—was none other than the late rapper. Fans pointed to his well-documented love for basketball as proof he wouldn’t miss such a historic game. However, fact-checkers quickly identified the mystery fan as a lookalike, a common occurrence known as pareidolia, where the mind perceives a familiar face in a random crowd.

The “Ghost” in the Mansion

Perhaps the most unsettling rumors are those that place him back in his own home. In April 2025, a narrative dubbed the “Mansion Encounter” took TikTok by storm. The theory alleged that X was spotted inside his former Parkland residence—the $1.4 million home he purchased just before his death. Eyewitness accounts described seeing him through windows, gaming or cooking, living a mundane domestic life.

The emotional weight of this theory is crushing. It plays on the idea that he never left, that he is safe behind the walls of his sanctuary. However, investigations revealed these viral clips were likely the result of AI-generated imagery or misinterpreted glimpses of family members who still reside in the property.

The Cruelty of Repurposed Footage

The most heartbreaking aspect of these conspiracy theories is the manipulation of time. In June 2024, a video went viral showing XXXTentacion walking near his Parkland home, waving to excited fans in cars who honked and shouted “Long Live Jah!” The footage was crisp, the interaction real.

For millions of scrolling users, it looked like proof of life. The reality? It was genuine footage, but it was filmed on June 12, 2018—mere days before his death. It was repurposed and re-uploaded as “new” content, a digital seance that reopened old wounds for clicks and engagement.

Why We Can’t Let Go

Why do these rumors persist, even as we approach 2026? The answer lies in the unique connection XXXTentacion built with his audience. His music was raw, vulnerable, and spoke directly to the pain of a generation. To accept his death is to accept the silence of that voice.

The “sightings”—from the casual strolls in Miami to the backstage whispers at concerts—are not just conspiracy theories; they are a form of collective bargaining. They are the digital age’s way of saying, “He can’t be gone.” But as the debunkings show, while the man is gone, the impact he left is so potent that people are still looking for him in the faces of strangers, seven years later.

As we consume these viral stories, it’s essential to remember the human cost. Behind every “shocking sighting” is a grieving family and a legacy that deserves to rest in peace, even if his fans aren’t quite ready to say goodbye.