Hundreds of 'Home Alone' fans were taken in for a ride after a hoax story stating that "Macaulay Culkin was found Dead at age 34" went viral.
The completely bogus Macaulay Culkin death hoax tricked many to believe that the story was being reported by MSNBC, an American news channel owned by the NBCUniversal News Group.
However, in reality it was carried by a fake website that carried the URL - msnbc.website.
The hoax said that the actor and musician, who rose to fame after starring in the 1990 classic family comedy, was found dead in his Manhattan apartment.
Macaulay Culkin death hoax story stated:
Sources are reporting that Macaulay Culkin, best known for his role as Kevin McCallister in Home Alone and sequel Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, has been found dead at the age of 34.
Multiple unconfirmed reports said Culkin was found dead on Friday afternoon in his Manhattan apartment after police responded to a wellness check requested by a family member.
At least one occupant of the Manhattan apartment confirmed the apartment belonged to Culkin but police have not confirmed the man's identity at this time.
"The apartment was exceptionally clean and we found no signs of abuse or foul play so we are depending on the coroner to make a final ruling of what happened here today," said Det. James Patterson, of the Manhattan Police Department.
Born on August 26, 1980, Culkin began acting at the tender age of four. At the height of his fame he was regarded as the most successful child actor since Shirley Temple."
The story that was released onto the social media platforms on Friday, soon went viral, so much so that Macaulay Culkin's agents had to even release a statement on behalf of the actor denying the hoax, reported Nottingham Post.
It said: "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."
The former child actor also has been attempting at a music career through his comedy band The Pizza Underground, which makes well-known hits and changes the lyrics to celebrate the American favourite.
And with his band was seen 'seen' alive and kicking while performing at a bar in New Orleans, LA.
An image posted on Twitter following his show in New Orleans found him 'chilling' with his band members on 8 November.
"@AnchovyWarhol: New Orleans we love you, @cheesedayz is buying a band house. pic.twitter.com/z4KqgKPPAN"
— pizza underground (@cheesedayz) November 8, 2014
Macaulay Culkin Dead — Fans Reactions On Twitter
For the second time this year Macaulay Culkin has been killed by a hoax.
The actor, who also starred in Richie Rich, was 'killed' earlier this year back in April 2014. The fans even made a memorial page to honour the "dead" celebrity.
Here are some Twitter reactions:
Dr. jimes tooper @katatouille posted: "my phone now autocorrects to "MACAULAY CULKIN" because i texted several ppl in a panic when i heard the rumors of his death."
Journalist Conor Pope @conor_pope rather sarcastically posted: "Macaulay Culkin has been found dead. By Twitter. Again. In the real world he is still alive. And long may he live."
Another user Timmy Williams @timmyisanerd stated: "Crazy that Macaulay Culkin started that rumor about Macaulay Culkin being found dead."
While LEMPO @iamlempo asked: "How many times has the internet killed Macaulay Culkin? The McCallister kid lives, Harry and Marve failed! #Hoax"
