Features of an urban legend:
(1) The story is usually portrayed as something that is true and based on fact.
(2) The story is often passed on "by a friend of a friend".
(3) The story has some element that makes it sensational, shocking, compelling and worth telling.
(4) The story often undergoes various metamorphoses as it is told through different groups.
(5) It may be impossible to find an original source for the story.
(6) Some people are willing to accept it as factual because they have heard it several times.
The story may be passed on by any media that is available.
The urban legend:
(1) is often false
(2) occasionally is based on a true event
(3) occasionally is a modification of a true event
(4) is theoretically possible but not based on a true event
This is an excellent example of not letting the truth get in the way of a good story.
