Infamous ‘Fake News’ Writer Found Dead Near Phoenix

Paul Horner, an Arizona man infamous for generating false stories and hoaxes online during the 2016 presidential campaign, was found dead in his home near Phoenix. The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office announced the news Tuesday, saying Horner was found in his bed on Sept. 18. Police spokesman Mark Casey said the Maricopa County medical examiner found no signs of foul play during an autopsy, adding that Horner was known to have a history of prescription-drug abuse and “evidence at the scene suggested this could be an accidental overdose.” Horner, who was 38, created numerous internet hoaxes that wound up going viral, often thanks to supporters of Donald Trump. He was behind a “fake news” story claiming that former President Barack Obama was gay and a radical Muslim, and another saying protesters were paid thousands of dollars to disrupt Trump rallies.