Even in today’s highly connected world, with advanced technology and easy communication, people still deeply crave connection with their loved ones. This longing is undeniable. However, over time, relationships can drift, causing family and friends to become distant. One man, recognizing this issue, decides to wake up his family to the significance of maintaining strong communication and relationships. He makes a call with the intent of reminding everyone of this crucial truth.
A Belgian named David Baerten made headlines when he orchestrated a dramatic and shocking stunt highlighting the importance of family connections. According to The Independent, Baerten fabricated a fake plan for his own death and even arrived at his supposed funeral by helicopter. This startling act was intended to jolt his grieving relatives into recognizing the value of staying close and maintaining strong relationships with one another.
Baerten shared on the French chat show “Touche Pasa Mon Poste” (TPMP) that he made a bold choice because he felt unappreciated and disconnected from his family. A 45-year-old TikTok user named Faut captured this moment. The video shows mourners initially surprised to see Baerten disembark from a helicopter that landed in a field. They then embrace him and congratulate him, displaying their support. The TikTok video also depicts Baerten in a heartfelt embrace and crying, while the text included in the video suggests that his actions have led to a profound shift in the relationship dynamics, turning shock into a deep emotional bond.
On the day of the funeral near Liege, one of Baerten’s daughters penned a tribute, expressing that she thinks of him daily and wishes him a peaceful rest. She reflected on the unfairness of life while also sharing the joy of expecting a grandchild. Some people voiced their frustration with Baerten’s ill-timed joke, highlighting their deep love for their children. Despite this, they conveyed that they would hold him dear and keep his memory alive.
A 45-year-old Belgian man, David Baerten fakes his death and turns up for his funeral in a helicopter to teach his family a lesson pic.twitter.com/HqvW219GAY
— GistReel.Com (@GistReel) June 15, 2023
A 45-year-old Belgian man, David Baerten fakes his death and turns up for his funeral in a helicopter to teach his family a lesson pic.twitter.com/HqvW219GAY
— GistReel.Com (@GistReel) June 15, 2023
Men will really fake their deaths rather than actually communicate their feelings to you.https://t.co/ncyQovOHad
— MorgANARCHY Lea 💀 (@morglea) June 14, 2023
According to The Times newspaper, Baerten chose to express his pain through this dramatic act because he felt neglected and unappreciated by those around him. He released a video to explain his actions, arguing that it is pointless to mourn someone after their death when one could instead appreciate them while they are alive. The fake funeral was meant to illustrate this point and reflect his strained relationships with his family. Baerten noted that only half of his family attended the event, while the others reached out to him afterward.
Those who genuinely cared about Baerten were deeply hurt and distressed by his fake death stunt. Baerten later expressed regret for his actions during his appearance on TPMP. His wife was aware of the plan from the start and had even attempted to stage the fake funeral again. Baerten admitted to trying to convince his children that he had passed away a few days earlier, as reported by Indy100.
He had to clarify that he was aware from the start that his stunt was fake. He received numerous messages and videos from his loved ones expressing their grief over his actions. At that moment, he realized he could have stopped what he had started, but it was already too late. He began to doubt the sense of his actions. Everyone has a fundamental need for connection and belonging, and in times of loneliness, reaching out to others through calls or messages can provide significant emotional benefits and strengthen relationships. Meeting face-to-face and sharing ideas whenever possible is also crucial for maintaining strong connections.
