To the general public, Harold Camping’s failed ‘Doomsday’ prediction was a spectacle and an annoyance. To atheists, it was an excuse to party and an opportunity to mock. For Camping’s followers, however, the ‘Doomsday’ failure was absolutely devastating.

The ‘Doomsday’ prediction was a cornerstone of their faith, which they took very seriously. Some of them abandoned their jobs and poured out their life savings to warn people about what they believed to be the looming end of the world.

Keith Bauer, a tractor-trailer driver and Camping follower, said “I was hoping for it because I think heaven would be a lot better than this earth.”

He said “I had some skepticism but I was trying to push the skepticism away because I believe in God,” reported MSNBC.

Robert Fitzpatrick of Staten Island, New York, famously spent his life-savings to finance a massive ad campaign for the ‘Doomsday ‘message.

As the clock ticked towards 6 p.m. local time on May 21st 2011 – which Camping predicted to be the beginning of ‘Doomsday’ – Fitzpatrick waited expectantly at Time Square, New York City. While he waited, he was surrounded by revelers and mockers.

When ‘Doomsday’ failed to materialize, Fitzpatrick was stunned.

“I don't understand why nothing is happening. It's not a mistake. I did what I had to do. I did what the Bible said,” he said, reported New York Post.

“I didn't water my plants, I didn't do my dishes before I left. I didn't expect to go back home, said Fitzpatrick, before he headed back to his Staten Island home from Time Square.

IBTimes reporters in California caught up with two unnamed Harold Camping followers at a parking lot near Family Radio’s headquarters. They looked dejected and emotionally stunned. When approached, they refused to comment and requested to be left alone.

Read More : Ten Facts About Harold Camping

May 21st ‘Doomsday’ Prediction Aftermath - CLICK HERE to Read, Discuss, Vote

Special Coverage : Doomsday May 21st Prediction

New York