A fake news story published by the entertainment web site TMZNewsOnline.net claiming that WWE wrestler John Cena had passed away in a car accident was circulated online in July 2016:
John Cena died in a single vehicle crash on Route 80 between Morristown and Roswell. He was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics responding to the vehicle accident and was identified by photo ID found on his body. Alcohol and drugs do not appear to have been a factor in this accident.
Highway Safety Investigators have told reporters that John Cena lost control while driving a friend’s vehicle on Interstate 80 and rolled the vehicle several times killing him instantly.
The above-quoted story is a piece of fiction that has been circulating online since at least 2013. TMZNewsOnline.net, which is not affiliated with the gossip web siteTMZ republished this old hoax in July 2016, starting a new round of rumors concerning Cena's alleged death.
The very much alive wrestler and TV host has been active on social media:
Honored to get a photo with the GREAT #JimmyFallon and the guy from @FallonTonight, @jimmyfallon. He was also in the pic. #JimmysDad #WWEMSG pic.twitter.com/PgCI0aQEyT
— John Cena (@JohnCena) December 27, 2017
In addition to the fake news article, many people reported that they had encountered the rumor on Facebook:
This, of course, is not true. "Jhon" Cena isn't "died by accident."