Fake UPI article used for Bob Zmuda death hoax

WASHINGTON, Nov. 18 (UPI) -- A hoax UPI article posted to a Facebook account associated with comic Bob Zmuda spread false rumors of his own demise at the Moonlite Bunny Ranch in Nevada.

An image posted to the official Facebook page for Tony Clifton, a character portrayed by both Zmuda and longtime collaborator Andy Kaufman, appeared to show a UPI article in a newspaper resembling the Chicago Sun-Times saying the Comic Relief founder died at the Mound House brothel from a heart attack.

The photo was captioned, "In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to the Moonlite Bunny Ranch, earmarked for the Bob Zmuda fund."

The hoax article, posted Monday and dated Nov. 16, sparked rumors of Zmuda's death online, but a later post on Clifton's page confirmed the image was fabricated.

"It turns out this was a hoax started by an overzealous Kaufman/Zmuda fan," the post by "Clifton" read.

"Bob Zmuda is not dead yet," it said.

Commentators pointed out the article scan appeared fake as the headline was cut off partially through, indicating it extended beyond the article.

Additionally, UPI is unaware of any printed newspapers in the United States that make use of the Times New Roman font.