On the basis that I am sure that Mr Smerchanski is an intelligent man, there is no way he would tell something as sensitive as this to someone from this forum or anyone else who contacted him out of the blue. It just wouldn't happen. This is something you would confide to a family member of a REALLY good friend.
The man didn't " just tell " someone this information,and it was nobody from this forum.
Why must you always question and dispute anything that sniffs of being the truth ?
I suggest you do your usual " sleuthing " and find out for yourself then it would stop the chorus of your "backers" telling me my posts are rubbish.