Murphy's rep denies death rumours

Eddie Murphy's publicist has denied a rumour circulated on the internet that the star had passed away.

The actor had fallen victim to an online hoax reporting his supposed death in a snowboarding accident.

There have been similar hoaxes in the past week about other celebrities, including Charlie Sheen, Adam Sandler, Aaron Carter and Aretha Franklin.

Murphy's rep reassured fans by telling EW: "Absolutely false. I just spoke with him."