A conservative Florida radio host who was christened “Mr. Anti-Vax” and criticized the COVID-19 vaccine died Saturday of the coronavirus.
In a statement posted on Twitter, News Daytona Beach WNDB radio station confirmed the death of Marc Bernier, writing that it “informed and entertained WNDB listeners for more than 30 years.”
He continued, “We kindly ask that privacy be given to Marc’s family during this time of mourning.”
It is with great sadness that WNDB and Southern Stone Communications announce the passing of Marc Bernier, who informed and entertained listeners on WNDB for over 30 years. Please ask for privacy to be given to Marc’s family during this time of mourning. pic.twitter.com/vXQIAtVN9e
– Daytona Beach News (@NewsDaytonaBch) August 29, 2021
Bernier, 65, succumbed to the disease three weeks after becoming infected, according to The Daytona Beach News-Journal.
Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood, who appeared several times on Bernier’s show, referred to the news as “death to the family.”
“I’m asleep,” he said, noting that while he and Bernier didn’t always agree, they remained friends over the years, according to the News-Journal.
Bernier’s death comes months after he promised on the air that he would never get the coronavirus vaccine.
“Are you kidding me? Mr. Anti-Vax? Jeepers,” he replied when asked in December if he would consider getting the hit, according to News-Journal.
Florida has become the epicenter of COVID-19 in the United States in recent months, with state doctors urging people to get vaccinated.
“It’s the worst it’s been right now,” neurologist Robin Kass said last week. “And I just think no one notices.”