Jon Bon Jovi: The latest Twitter death hoax

View Photo Gallery —  2011 has seen its fair share of Twitter gaffes. Here’s a look at some of the top Twitter mistakes this year.

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Dec 20, 2011 12:47 PM EST

The Washington Post
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Singer Jon Bon Jovi is the latest celebrity victim of a Twitter death hoax.

The musician confirmed his continued existence on Monday evening with a message and a picture from his PR team through his official Twitter account.

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The picture shows the singer in front of a Christmas tree holding a sign that reads, “Heaven looks a lot like New Jersey, Dec. 19th 2011, 6:00.”

A fake story circulating on Twitter reported that Bon Jovi had suffered a fatal heart attack, spurring some fans to post tributes — and other, savvier fans to make a ton of “Wanted Dead or Alive” puns.

The Twitter death hoax is a phenomenon that’s particularly common after a notable death in the news — such as that of North Korean ruler Kim Jong Il.

Other celebrities who’ve been hit with death hoaxes include Justin Bieber, Jackie Chan, Will Smith, Lady Gaga and Mick Jagger.

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