The notorious assassin known as “2016” that evaded international police custody for over ten months, is dead. The body of the assassin was found by police just hours before the annual New Year’s Day countdown celebration in New York’s Times Square.

The case has since been handed to the FBI, who haven’t determined the cause of death, although sources say authorities suspect no foul play was involved.

“2016” sparked international outrage after US and UK intelligence revealed it was likely responsible for the deaths of musician David Bowie and actor Alan Rickman in January, as well as several other prominent and notable people, including Prince, former Heavyweight Champion Muhammad Ali, NHL Legend Gordie Howe in the months that followed. 2016’s most recent targets include WHAM! star George Michael and actress Carrie Fisher.

Police and intelligence agencies around the globe were in cooperation to pinpoint and predict 2016’s next move to capture their elusive target, but any and all attempts to stop 2016 failed, as the choice of victims appeared to be varied and random.

2016 was also believed to be the catalyst for several trying events the world has faced in the past year, including the actions of the so-called Islamic State, the struggle in Aleppo, “Brexit”, climate change, the proliferation of fake news, the Zika virus and the U.S. Presidential Election. 

Comments about 2016’s demise trended on social networks Facebook and Twitter, with many voicing out their relief that the assassin is now dead, although there was some sympathy for the loss, saying that 2016 “was not so bad”. Conspiracy theorists have poked around for the origins of the assassin, going so far as to allege that “2016” was a foreign spy. Foreign intelligence have denied all allegations.

Those who were in contact with 2016 were brought in for questioning, although police say that 2016’s two cousins, 2017 and 2018, are “unlikely to be a threat to the general public” but will remain vigilant should anything change. Investigations are ongoing.

GOOD RIDDANCE.