Did you read as far as the last couple of paragraphs ?
All of the above is but one version attempting to explain actual events.
The other version of events is that John never left home and died peacefully surrounded by his wife, children, and grandchildren as they all together celebrated a life well-lived and wished him a safe flight.
Authorities request you to choose whichever version you believe or please share your own story here of the John Pilger that you knew.
It's an amusing spoof.