The Abbey Road cover started a raft of rumours that Paul was dead -
because he was in bare feet, an Italian symbol of death it seems, and because he had his eyes closed.
because the VW Beetle parked in the street in shot had the number plate 29 IF - someone decided that this meant twenty-eight was the age McCartney would have reached IF he had lived.
In fact - there were plenty of shots taken at the time, including Paul with shoes on, and not blinking, as in the final chosen shot, so that was simpley coincidence -
as was thet 28IF numberplate which belonged to someone who worked in the area, and parked there every day.
It's amazing how people can conjour up conspiracy theories from nothing at all - nexst thing you know, people will be saying Elton John is gay!!!