Was rapper Daniel Hernandez, aka 6ix9ine, aka Tekashi69, aka Tekashi shot dead in Hollywood, California? Fortunately for his fans he was not: all he has been victim of was a celebrity death hoax.
The fake death notice was published on March 28, 2018 via Channel 45 News (archived here) and it read:
Daniel Hernandez also known as 6ix9ine, was shot dead last night. We do not know who the shooter was but we know that he was found dead in Hollywood, California.
The post looked quite convincing on social media and potentially fooled many people:
BREAKING NEWS - Channel 45 News
Daniel Hernandez also known as 6ix9ine, was shot dead last night. We do not know who the shooter was but we know that he was found dead in Hollywood, California.
We wrote about channel45news.com and their hoaxes before, here are our most recent articles that mention the site:
- Fake News: Eminem NOT Dead at 45, NO Overdose
- Fake News: Colin Kaepernick Did NOT Sign 2 Year Deal With The Steelers For $8 Million
- Fake News: Two Killers NOT On The Loose In Wabash Indiana
- O.J. Simpson Fake News Roundup (President, Kardashians, Browns...)
- Fake News: Hiding Painted Rocks In Public Spaces NOT Becoming Illegal
The site is part of a network of prank sites operated by Korry Scherer from Milwaukee, WI. according to WHOIS data. The site lets visitors create their own realistic looking fake news stories to prank friends and family.
The site seems to be part of a network of similar sites. So far we've found these, but there may be others:
- channel22news.com
- channel23news.com
- channel24news.com
- channel28news.com
- channel33news.com
- channel34news.com
- channel40news.com
- channel45news.com
- channel46news.com
The sites all come with disclaimers at the bottom of each prank:
We do NOT support FAKE NEWS!!! This is a Prank website that is intended for Fun. Bullying, Violent Threats or posts that Violate Public Order are NOT permitted on this Website.
