DiPierdomenico posted the news on Monday declaring his grief for Cousins, who was recently taken to hospital when police were called to a busy West Australian intersection where he was reportedly spotted incoherently directing traffic.

“Have heard the news Ben Cousins has passed away please tell me this is not true,” DiPierdomenico said in his post.

But the 1986 Brownlow Medallist corrected himself four minutes later claiming he was given incorrect information.  

“Good news wrong information,” DiPierdomenico posted.

DiPierdomenico went on to apologise to the family of the young man who had actually passed away.

“Sorry for wrong information the person that has sent me the news has names wrong sad to say that Ben Horn has passed away,” he posted.

“This is my last tweet ever, apologies to all I have upset i have been given wrong information to all friends and families.”

DiPierdomenico was stood down from his position as an AFL ambassador in 2010 for racist comments towards Essendon and Port Adelaide great Gavin Wanganeen.