The laughter and shock that once filled social media feeds over a unique viral video have tragically turned to sorrow, as the funeral home employee featured pretending to be dead in a casket was indeed shot and killed just two weeks later. The senseless murder of Anthony Delarosa, a 40-year-old man from Belmont, Trinidad and Tobago, has cast a somber shadow over the nation, highlighting the pervasive issue of violence.
Anthony Delarosa became an online sensation after appearing in a promotional video for Dennie’s Funeral Home. The video, which quickly spread across social media platforms, showed Delarosa lying inside a coffin, surrounded by bundles of $100 bills and a bottle of Hennessy. This unconventional marketing stunt by Dennie’s Funeral Home aimed to showcase their creative approach to funeral services, an approach they have been known for, including previous instances of embalmed bodies being positioned in lifelike poses. Delarosa’s jovial demeanor in the video captured public attention, making him a recognizable figure in the local online community.
However, the fleeting taste of viral fame was abruptly extinguished on June 2, 2025. At approximately 1:45 AM, Anthony Delarosa was brutally shot multiple times on Hermitage Road in Belmont. Residents reported hearing loud explosions, and police responding to the scene discovered Delarosa with severe gunshot wounds. He was immediately rushed to the Port of Spain General Hospital but was tragically pronounced dead upon arrival. The incident occurred during a particularly violent weekend in Trinidad and Tobago, which saw several other homicides reported across the island.
As of now, the motive behind Anthony Delarosa’s murder remains unclear, and no arrests have been made in connection with his killing. The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service is conducting an ongoing investigation, but public details on who perpetrated this heinous act are scarce. Given the country’s alarming rise in gang violence and crime rates, there is speculation that this murder could be related to broader criminal activity. However, without official confirmation, such links remain unproven.
Delarosa’s tragic end serves as a stark reminder of the volatile environment in parts of Trinidad and Tobago. His untimely death, coming so soon after his moment in the spotlight, underscores the severe challenges faced by law enforcement in combating the escalating crime wave. The community, and indeed the nation, awaits further information from authorities, hoping for justice to be served in the case of Anthony Delarosa’s tragic and untimely passing.
