George Michael is dead. At least that's what the Internet is saying. However the singer didn't die. He's just the victim of an Internet death hoax.
A report appeared this week saying that George Michael died in a jet ski crash. Many came across a report from Global Associated News which reads:
"Musician George Michael died while on a personal vacation in Turks and Caicos early this morning from injuries sustained in a Jet-Ski accident - March 8, 2013.
Preliminary reports from Turks and Caicos Police officials indicate that the musician struck a concrete boat slip in a marina on Parrot Cay in the Turks and Caicos Islands. George Michael was the only passenger on the personal watercraft at the time of the incident. Specific details are not yet available.
The accident occurred at approximately 8:45 a.m. (UTC/GMT -4 hours)."
Since there are so many details to the accident it is easy to believe that it's true, but rest easy George Michael fans, it isn't. Global Associated News creates fake death reports. A message at the bottom of the page reads:
"FAKE... THIS STORY IS 100% FAKE! this is an entertainment website, and this is a totally fake article based on zero truth and is a complete work of fiction for entertainment purposes! this story was dynamically generated using a generic 'template' and is not factual. Any reference to specific individuals has been 100% fabricated by web site visitors who have created fake stories by entering a name into a blank 'non-specific' template for the purpose of entertainment"
Even though the rumor is false, fans took to Twitter to mourn and question the loss. Some examples of tweets include:
" Just seen a tweet saying George Michael is dead. #hopingitsnottrue"
"Has george michael died?"
" George Michael has died in a jet ski accident! Wow!"
" RIP George Michael"
Death hoaxes have become a trend in recent months. Several other celebrities have fallen victim to internet death hoaxes.
Some other celebrities who became victims of a death hoax in recent months include rapper, Eminem, singer, Enrique Iglesias, "The Big Bang Theory actory Jim Parsons, actress Megan Fox, wrestler John Cena, singer Bruno Mars, actor Vin Diesel, musician Skrillex, Rapper Lil Wayne, Actor Vince Vaughn, Tom Kenny, the voice behind SpongeBob Squarepants, country singer Taylor Swift, legendary actor Morgan Freeman, Comedian Bill Cosby, Alfonso Ribeiro aka Carlton from the Fresh Prince, and Bill Nye the Science Guy. All of these celebrities are just fine.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
