Fake Piers Morgan Twitter account sparks false Nelson Mandela death rumor

Nelson Mandela remains hospitalized in “serious but stable” condition, but a phony Twitter account has fooled many into believing Piers Morgan announced Mandela’s death. The fake announcement was re-tweeted over a thousand times:

https://twitter.com/piersrnorgan/status/343379061730603008

Note the handle: @Piersrnorgan.

Astute Twitter users took notice:

I've died 4x. RT @redsteeze: @BecketAdams Everyone dies at least 3 time on Twitter. I think this is only 2 for Mandela.

— CatsPolitics (@CatsPolitics) June 9, 2013

https://twitter.com/NathanWurtzel/statuses/343864694001508353

I expect Piers Norgan is going to have some serious explaining to do to his bosses in Atlamta

— Steve Cochran (@CochranShow) June 9, 2013

Is it possible so many others were fooled because what the fake Morgan tweeted was as inaccurate as things the real Morgan tweets? Just asking.

The real Piers Morgan asks for assistance:

This absolutely sickens me, please report the fake account and get it closed down > Nelson Mandela death hoax: http://t.co/XsmG6UXjXY …

— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) June 10, 2013

This is the fake account that falsely tweeted Nelson Mandela's death, please get this moron off Twitter: @piersrnorgan

— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) June 10, 2013

Don’t say we’ve never helped you out, Piers.