Nelson Mandela
Nelson Mandela, 94, is reported to be in critical condition. Reuters

There was an outpouring of love on Twitter Wednesday night when a rumor surfaced that Nelson Mandela had reportedly passed away.

According to The Guardian Express, a reliable source said the anti-apartheid hero passed away Tuesday night in a Pretoria hospital, though it was not confirmed by any other news agencies. And, it seems not everyone on Twitter knows what Mandela looks like and erroneously shared Morgan Freeman's picture.

The humanitarian became a South African icon after being freed from 27 years of imprisonment. Shorty after his freedom, the white minority rule in the country dissipated and he became the first black president of South Africa in 1994.

Authorities have not confirmed his death, The Guardian Express, wrote, reporting Mandela's family is keeping hush about his death since President Obama will be visiting the country shortly and they don’t want the hero’s death to overshadow Obama’s stay.

It should be noted CNN last reported Mandela is still on life support. According to the news site, though he remains in critical condition he is alive.

Twitter users who believe the death report by The Guardian Express took to the social media site to share their grief, including superstar Rihanna:

Others attempted to dismantle the rumor by reminding users that Twitter is infamous for perpetuating death hoaxes:

Nelson Mandela's death hasn't been confirmed yet!

In another strange twist, some Twitter users wrote "RIP Nelson Mandela" and attached a picture of Morgan Freeman:

Twitter Nelson mandela South Africa