Viral ‘Man Found Dead’ Post in Ferndale Was Actually a Dead Cat

By Brian Henderson | PNW Daily | April 9, 2026

FERNDALE, Wash. — A social media post claiming a man had been found dead in the street near McDonald’s in Ferndale sent shockwaves through the local community Wednesday morning.

However, the incident turned out to be far less grim than advertised.

The post appeared in the Ferndale, WA Neighbors Facebook group. CrimeRadar, an app that uses AI to transcribe police scanner audio, generated it. The post described a medical emergency at Main Street and Barrett Road.

It cited Whatcom County Sheriff and Bellingham police dispatch audio and claimed responders investigated reports of a male found deceased near the freeway.

Within hours, the post drew 58 reactions, 23 comments, and 7 shares. At least one commenter began speculating by name about a specific homeless man who lives near the overpass.

There was just one problem: no man was found dead.

Case Number 26F03018 was regarding a call for a deceased cat in the roadway, not a person.

— Megan Juenemann, Communications & Community Relations Officer, City of Ferndale

A cat.

PNW Daily contacted the City of Ferndale to request details on case number 26F03018. That case number appeared in the CrimeRadar post. Communications and Community Relations Officer Megan Juenemann responded directly.

A.I.-produced Content is Not Journalism

The CrimeRadar post carried a small disclaimer at the bottom that most people missed. It read: “Not official report. AI-generated from public dispatch audio. Always verify with official sources.” Most of the 58 people who reacted did not appear to do that.

This is how misinformation spreads in 2026. Well-meaning technology mishears a scanner call, generates a headline, and lets social media do the rest. Furthermore, by the time the facts catch up, someone’s reputation or a vulnerable community member’s safety may already be at risk.

The lesson is straightforward: follow local news media for news and leave the A.I. slop unshared.

PNW Daily contacted the City of Ferndale via email on April 8, 2026. This story is based on an official written response from city communications staff.