w < -1 resolves the Hubble Tension but destroys the universe

The “Hubble Tension” has become a serious problem in cosmology: estimates of the expansion rate of the universe (the Hubble constant Ho) based on (a) early universe observations plus model, and (b) current universe observations, substantially differ. There are many suggestions for resolution; we investigate modifying the equation of state of dark energy, described by the parameter w. For the currently accepted “cosmological constant,” w = -1; however, an appropriate value < -1 resolves the Hubble Tension--but at the cost of destroying the universe in a “Big Rip” in a finite time.