It's only four months in to 2015, and already five celebrities have been thought to be dead before they realized it was all a hoax. MediaMass is one of the many publications that have reported on these incidents.
Ricky Martin
The "Livin' la Vida Loca" singer was thought to have died this month which quickly spread and concerned fans across the world. It has since been confirmed that Martin is alive and well. His reps confirmed that his death was fake with a statement: "He joins the long list of celebrities who have been victimized by this hoax. He's still alive and well, stop believing what you see on the Internet."
Will Smith
Rumors of the "Independence Day" actor's demise began when his "About" section on Facebook was updated with: "At about 11 a.m. ET on Thursday (April 16, 2015), our beloved actor Will Smith passed away. Will Smith was born on September 25, 1968 in Philadelphia. He will be missed but not forgotten. Please show your sympathy and condolences by commenting on and liking this page." His reps confirmed it was not true with a statement that he was alive and well.
Betty White
White was also victim to a rumored death when her Facebook page was hacked and it was announced that the 93-year-old had passed. It turns out, it was yet another hoax and the attempt to create false information was deemed "reckless."
Miley Cyrus
Cyrus was yet another victim in a string of celebrity death hoaxes...thanks to Facebook (Are you sensing a pattern here?). Fans of the singer took to social media to express their condolences before it was confirmed that her account was hacked and it was a fake announcement.
Willie Nelson
Reports began circulating last week that Nelson had been found dead in his Maui home, with confirmation from police. Articles called his fake death "shocking" as he had just appeared on "60 Minutes" where he had said: "Life is good and I have never felt better or been happier. It was later confirmed that the news report was false.
