Chocoloski, Fla. (WFLA) – A recent viral video from Florida has made the life of a boat captain a complete “nightmare” due to a false case of identity.
Colonel Brock Wagner said he had to send his wife to his safety after NBC affiliate WBBH said his business was a hit and was accused of accidentally appearing in the video.
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“We had our first name so people somehow thought I was the culprit…it was a complete nightmare,” Wagner said.
He shares a boat similar to that of his name with Captain Brock Horner, but said the similarities would stop there. Wagner is nearly 20 years old and lives 100 miles in the Chocoloski area.
In a video that is widely shared across the internet, Horner can be seen screaming at Fisherman Gauge Tows before climbing the boat.
Since Towles shared it on his social media page, over a million people have seen the video, and Wagner said much of the hatred is poured into his own inbox.
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“We have gotten so many annoying and threatening emails, text messages and calls.
Fallout also influenced the website for his business offering fishing and tourist excursions.
“We got a PR nightmare,” Wagner said. “You know, what are we going to do? And at first, we were just in shock.”
He has since written statements on his website and business’ social media pages to explain the mixup, saying he hopes that his life will be able to return to normal.
“I’m a hardworking family man and this has impacted my business and my family,” the statement reads in part. “Unfortunately, we are also threatened. Please help us spread the word!”
