Actor Eddie Murphy is reported to have died shortly after a snowboarding accident earlier today - January 18, 2013.

The actor & novice snowboarder was vacationing at the Zermatt ski resort in Zermatt, Switzerland with family and friends. Witnesses indicate that Eddie Murphy lost control of his snowboard and struck a tree at a high rate of speed.

Eddie Murphy was air lifted by ski patrol teams to a local hospital, however, it is believed that the actor died instantly from the impact of the crash. The actor was wearing a helmet at the time of the accident and drugs and alcohol do not appear to have played any part in his death.

Despite this report today (Friday) by Global Associated News that the actor was killed in a snowboard accident in Zermatt, Switzerland. This story quickly caught fire and spread around the Internet with fans wondering if Murphy, who starred in “Tower Heist” and “Beverly Hills Cop,” had really been killed.