J.K. Rowling Death Hoax: Fake John le Carré Twitter Account Says 'Harry Potter' Author Died in Accident, Fans Respond in Viral Frenzy

The latest victim of the infamous Twitter celebrity death hoax - none-other-than "Harry Potter" novelist J.K. Rowling. A fake Twitter account claiming to be the popular British spy novelist John le Carré recently posted a bogus report that Rowling tragically died in an unexpected accident on Wednesday, January 2, 2013. Although many signs suggest that the tweet is indeed just another morbid viral death hoax, several "Harry Potter" fans have recently expressed concern, sorrow, and confusion over such "devastating" news. But no need to worry, the rumors are definitely FAKE and Rowling is still alive and well.

The bogus Twitter account linked to John le Carré has since been suspended, but check out these shocking tweets posted on Wednesday, Jan 2:

@JLecarre: "A terrible news. My publisher phones me announcing that J.K. Rowling dies by accident. Few minutes ago. No words!"

@JLecarre: "Little Brown, the Rowling's publisher, confirmed. J.K.Rowling died. Press release soon. Please, wait official ann."

First off, if Rowling truly had passed away, why would le Carré be the first to report about it -wouldn't Rowling's publishing company or family make an official announcement? Also, check out the hoaxster's poor grammar... a well-respected and best-selling author would probably not make such simple mistakes. Not to mention that the "l" in the author's name is not supposed to be capitalized... and details surrounding the supposed death are way too hazy. All signs point to a disturbing celebrity death hoax masterminded by a prankster pretending to be le Carré.

Although reports confirm that rumors of Rowling's death are definitely a HOAX, many fans initially fell for the sad (and fake) news... check out some of these shocked reactions:

"HUH? J.K. Rowling dead?"

"#RIP JK Rowling"

"J.K. Rowling is Dead?? WHAT??"

"Just heard a rumour that JK Rowling accidently died"

"JK Rowling dead? John Le Carre got phone call from his publisher this am. No details."

But many fans are finally beginning to spread the word: "HOLD IT TWITTER. @JK_Rowling is NOT dead! Her publisher has just confirmed she is alive and well. @JLecarre is a hoax."

Before the bogus John le Carré Twitter account was deactivated, it had over a whopping 2,500 followers.

Rowling is just the latest celeb to fall victim to the morbid social media death hoax... other "dead" (but not really) stars include Adam Sandler, Morgan Freeman, Lindsay Lohan, and Bill Cosby among a slew of others.

Fans should always make sure that they get all their info from credible sources before going crazy on social media - spreading fake celebrity death rumors are exactly what the hoaxsters want!