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City Councillor Rob Ford’s office was forced to assure the public Thursday that the former mayor was still alive hours after someone started a rumour online claiming he was dead.

“With his family beside him, Councillor Ford is currently in hospital as he continues his battle against cancer,” read the statement, put out by Ford’s chief of staff Dan Jacobs, said.

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“The Ford family asks for privacy during this difficult time, and thank the people of Toronto and around the world for their ongoing prayers and support.

“Should there be any developments, a further release will follow.”

Jacobs later clarified that the statement was sent out in response to a rumour circulating on Twitter that Ford had passed away.

Ford, who served a single term as Toronto’s mayor, has been battling a rare and aggressive form of cancer since the fall of 2014.