Paul L. Vasquez brought the world goofy, sincere joy in 2010 when a video of him spotting a double rainbow went viral.While the rainbow was beautiful, it was Vasquez’s reaction — his sobs and laughs and complete wonderment — that made the video remarkable.
Vasquez, who would go own to be known as “Double Rainbow Guy,” died over the weekend, according to multiple reports. He was 57 years old.
Vasquez, who went by Yosemitebear online, had mentioned health issues on Facebook. He said he was getting tested for COVID-19 on May 5, but added he was reasonably certain “something else is going on with me.” A cause of death has not been released.
Two days prior to the May 5 post, he wrote about experiencing a fever and low oxygen levels, but said he had no intention of going to a hospital.
“Whatever happens I’m ready for it, I’m happy to experience it all, it might only be pollen and I’ll have more time in my apartment,” Vasquez wrote.”If it’s the virus and it’s my time to recycle I look forward to coming back to a new body and starting over, whatever happens I’m enjoying the ride.”
Vasquez’s viral video has been watched more than 47 million times. It took off in 2010 after Jimmy Kimmel highlighted the video in which Vasquez cries and wonders aloud, “What does it all mean?”
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While Vasquez went on to appear on television and in ads, his friends knew him as “Bear” and described him as a positive force, the Modesto Bee reported.
“No matter where I was or what I was doing, Paul was a bright spot, always enthusiastic about the world,” Robert Borchard, a friend of Vasquez, told the Bee.
Vasquez was survived by two adult children, according to CNET.