Did Santa Claus Lie About A Dying Child?

We recently reported the heartbreaking story of a terminally ill five-year-old boy who passed away in the arms of Santa Claus. Now, it has been alleged that the Santa in question, 60-year-old Eric J. Schmitt-Matzen, may have fabricated the entire event. The 60-year-old who often plays the part of Santa Claus, alongside his wife Sharon as Mrs. Claus, initially told American newspaper the Knoxville News-Sentinel that he had an unbearably sad encounter when he visited a terminally ill five-year-old boy. Speaking to the publication, the Tennessee resident struggled to maintain his composure as he relayed his story:

"I gave him the present. He was so weak he could barely open the wrapping paper. When he saw what was inside, he flashed a big smile and laid his head back down".

He then spoke of how the little boy reacted to him:

"He kinda sat up and gave me a big hug and asked one more question: 'Santa, can you help me?' "I wrapped my arms around him. Before I could say anything, he died right there. I let him stay, just kept hugging and holding on to him".

Schmitt-Matzen also claimed that the child's mother was distraught to see that her son had passed away and screamed:

"no, no, not yet"

But in a sinister turn of events the News Sentinel has now issued a statement doubting the veracity of the Santa's story:

"Since publication of this story, the News Sentinel has done additional investigation in an attempt to independently verify Schmitt-Matzen’s account. This has proven unsuccessful. Although facts about his background have checked out, his story of bringing a gift to a dying child remains unverified. The News Sentinel cannot establish that Schmitt-Matzen’s account is inaccurate, but more importantly, ongoing reporting cannot establish that it is accurate."

The Sentinel's editor, Jack McElroy, commented on the issue:

"Because the story does not meet the newspaper’s standards of verification, we are no longer standing by the veracity of Schmitt-Matzen’s account"

The newspaper has indicated that they are finished investigating the story as yet. Various media outlets in the US are reporting that Schmitt-Matzen told the Washington Post that his story is true:

"If some people want to call me a liar... I can handle that better than I can handle a child in my arms dying...it’s sticks and stones."

Whether it's true or not, this Christmas story is pretty sad. Did you think this Santa was suspicious? Let us know your thoughts in the Facebook comments.