Death Scams and Hoaxes
Links to reports that discuss false claims about the deaths or injuries of celebrities or famous people.
Looking for reports published before 2016? Click here to view an archive of death scam and hoax reports on the legacy Hoax-Slayer website.
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Death Scams and HoaxesFacebook RelatedHoaxes
Celine Dion Death Hoax Points To Rogue App
by Brett M. Christensen October 19, 2013Circulating messages designed to look like news headlines or “breaking news” articles claim singer Celine Dion has died and invite users to click a link to watch an exclusive news video about her demise.
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Messages circulating vigorously via Twitter, Facebook and other social media outlets are claiming that much-loved actor Adam Sandler has died. As well…
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Outline Social media driven messages claim that much-loved actor Johnny Depp has died, either from drowning on a film set or in…
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Death Scams and Hoaxes
Tom Kenny, Voice of SpongeBob Is NOT Dead
by Brett M. Christensen September 13, 2012Circulating social media posts claim that Tom Kenny, the actor who supplied the voice of much-loved children’s character SpongeBob SquarePants has died.
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Death Scams and HoaxesFacebook Related
Wrestling Star John Cena is NOT Dead
by Brett M. Christensen August 6, 2012Circulating social media message claims that World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) star John Cena has died of a head injury while practicing a wrestling stunt with a WWE co-star.
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Death Scams and HoaxesFake-News
Wrestling Star Undertaker is NOT Dead Outline
by Brett M. Christensen August 3, 2012Outline Message circulating via social media claims that World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) star Undertaker has died of a neck injury while practicing…
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Death Scams and HoaxesFake-NewsHoaxes
William Hung Is Not Dead
by Brett M. Christensen July 12, 2004Emailed “News story” claims that American Idol celebrity, William Hung, is dead from an intentional drug overdose.