Updated: Ronnie James Dio dead at 67

Ronnie James Dio - best known for his work in bands such as Black Sabbath, Rainbow and the eponymous Dio band - died today at 67. A contentious Wikipedia entry mentioning his death was at the heart of an online debate.

At approximately 5:40 a.m on May 16, a Wikipedia user known as A Sniper changed Dio's Wiki entry with the message "I have just been informed that RJD died today". This was continually changed back and forth from Dio being alive and Dio being dead over several hours, until the article was officially locked by Wikipedia moderators due to confusion about the events. Articles quickly began to appear reporting on Dio's death, but none with official statements. Blabbermouth later reported an update from Dio's wife and manager, Wendy Dio, confirming that he was indeed alive. "I am at the hospital and Ronnie has NOT passed away!!!! He is not doing good, but he is not dead. I will let you know if anything changes. Thank you for your concern." He later passed away at 7:45 a.m. on May 16. Dio had been battling stomach cancer in the past few years. Tour dates with his current band, Heaven & Hell, were postponed because of Dio's ill health.