My theory on Hanks is that he planned to fake his death and escape to New Zealand. (Which is why he was in Australia.)
The good guys caught him, and forced him to return to US. Some of the media pawns didn’t get the memo, and ran the story that was planned.
I’ve seen a lot Hanks death articles.
This is the first one that mentions an execution, and it is future dated, so I am skeptical about how real it is.
I recall for a brief moment (a month ago) the internet actually thought Hanks may actually be dead— including this place. (Due to the articles plus Hanks being MIA)