Everyone was shocked when rumors that Australian singer Gotye shot himself dead today, July 1 spread. The only news source that published it was from CNN iReport. CNN iReport apparently lets anyone share stories through the website, may it be legitimate or not.
The CNN iReport features the following text:
At 4:32 AM EST, it was reported that Gotye had shot himself in the head with a 9mm handgun. He was pronounced dead at 4:45 AM, and the investigation concluded that the cause of death was suicide. It was confirmed shortly after by family and friends. He was quickly taken to the Central Montmorency Hospital, but died from his injuries shortly after. His family has stated that they plan a closed funeral.
However - no legit news outlet is posting the news; the user who posted this report just signed up for his account July 1, and the report is full of sketchy information. The investigation is concluded and ruled on a cause of death immediately? Not likely, even when cause of death may seem obvious. And when you Google "Central Montmorency Hospital," the top results are a veterinary hospital in Melbourne, Australia. There is a Montmorency Medical Centre, but that appears to be a single-doctor practice, which is not where an emergency gunshot victim would be taken.
Gotye’s official news feed on twitter confirmed it first that this indeed was a hoax.
We're happy to report Wally is alive and well. Tell your friends :)
— GotyeHQ (@GotyeHQ) July 1, 2012
Later, Gotye himself confirms he is alive.
I'm not dead. #Pinkalbumtitles
— gotye (@gotye) July 1, 2012
