R.I.P Michael Schumacher 2014 Dead

“Michael Schumacher dead 2014” : Seven-time Formula One world champion killed by internet death hoax

News of racing driver Michael Schumacher’s death spread quickly earlier this week causing concern among fans across the world. However the December 2013 report has now been confirmed as a complete hoax and just the latest in a string of fake celebrity death reports. Thankfully, the Seven-time Formula One world champion is alive and well.

UPDATE 02/01/2014 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

Michael Schumacher death hoax spreads on Facebook

Rumors of the racing driver’s alleged demise gained traction on Tuesday after a ‘R.I.P. Michael Schumacher’ Facebook page attracted nearly one million of ‘likes’. Those who read the ‘About’ page were given a believable account of the German racing driver’s passing:

“At about 11 a.m. ET on Tuesday (December 31, 2013), our beloved racing driver Michael Schumacher passed away. Michael Schumacher was born on January 3, 1969 in Hürth. He will be missed but not forgotten. Please show your sympathy and condolences by commenting on and liking this page.”

Hundreds of fans immediately started writing their messages of condolence on the Facebook page, expressing their sadness that the talented 45-year-old racing driver was dead. And as usual, Twittersphere was frenzied over the death hoax.

Where as some trusting fans believed the post, others were immediately skeptical of the report, perhaps learning their lesson from the huge amount of fake death reports emerging about celebrities over recent months. Some pointed out that the news had not been carried on any major German network, indicating that it was a fake report, as the death of a racing driver of Michael Schumacher's stature would be major news across networks.

A recent poll conducted for the Celebrity Post shows that a large majority (83%) of respondents think those Michael Schumacher death rumors are not funny anymore.

Michael Schumacher Death Hoax Dismissed Since Racing driver Is ‘Alive And Well’

On Wednesday (January 01) the racing driver's reps officially confirmed that Michael Schumacher is not dead. “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,” they said.

Some fans have expressed anger at the fake report saying it was reckless, distressing and hurtful to fans of the much loved racing driver. Others say this shows his extreme popularity across the globe.