A self-described “Prophet of Doom,” Craig Hamilton-Parker, is facing renewed attention after warning about what he called a possible “second pandemic” only weeks before reports emerged of a suspected plague case in Russia. Hamilton-Parker claimed he had been told of an illness that would be different from COVID-19, describing it as a bacterial infection that could affect people’s chests. His comments resurfaced after reports from Siberia said Darya Shipilova, a worker at an anti-plague research institute, died after developing severe pneumonia. Nearly 200 people were reportedly placed under medical observation, while precautionary measures were introduced at medical facilities.

The circumstances surrounding the reported death remain unclear, however, and Russian authorities have not confirmed that Shipilova died from plague. Officials reportedly described her condition as pneumonia of “unknown etiology,” while claims that she accidentally broke a test tube containing a dangerous pathogen have not been independently verified. Hamilton-Parker also never specifically predicted plague, Russia, or a laboratory incident, making any connection between his warning and the current reports speculative. He said his predictions often come unexpectedly and claimed his earlier warning was based on information associated with Tibetan oracles. Modern plague can be treated with antibiotics when identified promptly, and authorities have stressed that the situation remains stable. Still, the combination of a reported laboratory worker’s death, precautionary monitoring and Hamilton-Parker’s earlier comments has drawn attention online—and left many wondering whether his unusual warning was simply coincidence or something more.