Homer Simpson Suffers Massive Heart Attack

SPRINGFIELD - Television character Homer Simpson was rushed to hospital Sunday after reportedly suffering a massive heart attack, sources have said.

Mr Simpson, who made his first television appearance in 1987 on the Tracey Ullman Show, is said to be in a critical condition, with wife Madge at his side.

"We are monitoring Homer's progress carefully," said Dr. Julius Hibbert. "At this time, the Simpson family requests that their privacy be respected while Homer attempts to recover from what appears to have been multiple heart attacks."

As one of the lead stars of The Simpsons, Homer's problems with obesity, as well as his ongoing struggle with alcoholism, have been highly documented over the past 20 years.

According to reports, Mr. Simpson's three children have been notified of their father's ill-health and are set to visit him in hospital once eldest son Bart is released from detention for setting off cherry bombs in his high school's restrooms.