California man who gained internet fame for viral ‘double rainbow’ video dies

Paul Vasquez, the California man who was propelled to internet fame after posting a viral video of his reaction to a double rainbow, died on Saturday. He was 57.

Vasquez, who on social media goes by Yosemitebear, died at a hospital in Mariposa County, the coroner’s office told the Modesto Bee.

It’s unclear what caused Vasquez’s death, but, according to one of his Facebook posts, he recently learned of an unspecified ailment after getting tested for the coronavirus.

Vasquez became an internet sensation after posting a YouTube video in January 2010 of a double rainbow that he witnessed from his mountainside home overlooking the Yosemite valley.

In the 3-minute clip, which has garnered 46 million views, Vasquez is mesmerized by the sight, repeatedly saying “whoa,” laughing and even crying.

“It’s a double rainbow all the way across the sky!” he exclaimed.

“What does it all mean?” he pondered.

Late night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel tweeted about the video later that summer, setting up the stage for Vasquez to appear on numerous TV shows and commercials.

Vasquez, who grows and uses cannabis, told CNN in 2015 that he was not under the influence when he shot the video.

With Post wires