Pop legend Michael Jackson has died in Los Angeles, aged 50, from a suspected cardiac arrest. Paramedics were called to the singer's Holmby Hills mansion following an emergency call, but were unable to revive him. He was taken to the UCLA medical centre at 1.14pm but was pronounced dead at 2.26pm local time.
Michael's body was flown by helicopter to the LA coroner's office four hours later for an autopsy to establish the cause of death. The results of the post-mortem were due on Friday.
The news of Jackson's sudden death came as a massive shock to fans around the world, especially as he was due to begin a series of comeback concerts in London on 13 July. Jackson, who turned 50 last August, was thought to be in good health and rehearsing hard for the tour, although he'd had a history of health problems and there had recently been rumours that he may have been suffering from skin cancer.
As the news leaked out, hundreds of distraught fans flocked to UCLA hospital. TMZ, who broke the story, have spoken to a source inside the hospital who said it was “pandemonium” when Jackson was bought in.
Family
Jackson's mother, sister La Toya and close friend Elizabeth Taylor rushed to the hospital when they heard the news. Other members of the family began to gather at the hospital during the day.
Michael's brother Jermaine made a statement at the hospital, saying a team of doctors tried to resuscitate Michael for more than a hour. He also said, “Our family request that the media please respect our privacy during this tough time. And may Allah be with you, Michael, always. Love you.”
The star had three children, Michael Joseph Jackson Jr, Paris Michael Katherine Jackson – with second ex-wife Debbie Rowe – and Prince Michael Jackson II.
Michael was first married in 1996, to Elvis' daughter Lisa Marie Presley. She said, "I am so very sad and confused with every emotion possible. I am heartbroken for his children, who I know were everything to him and for his family. This is such a massive loss on so many levels, words fail me." Debbie Rowe was reported to be “inconsolable”.
Michael is survived by his mother, Katherine, father, Joseph and eight brothers and sisters, including Janet, Randy, Jermaine and La Toya Jackson.
Tributes
Civil rights activist Rev Al Sharpton paid tribute to his friend from outside the UCLA medical centre, saying, "I knew him 35 years. When he had problems he would call me," he said. "I feel like he was not treated fairly. I hope history will be more kind to him than some of the contemporary media."
Quincy Jones, who produced Michael Jackson's legendary Thriller album gave the following statement to celebrity gossip site TMZ... "I am absolutely devastated at this tragic and unexpected news. For Michael to be taken away from us so suddenly at such a young age, I just don't have the words. He was the consummate entertainer and his contributions and legacy will be felt upon the world forever. I've lost my little brother today, and part of my soul has gone with him."
Great friend Uri Geller said he was "devastated and lost for words". Speaking of the last time he heard from Jackson he said, "He was in good health, he was dancing, practising for the shows, I'm shocked, I cannot believe what I'm hearing and seeing. I'm waiting for a doctor to come out and say it, I want to hear it, I don't want to believe he's dead. I want to hear it from a doctor or his family."
Long-time friend an PR Jonathan Morrish paid tribute to Jackson last night telling Sky News, "It's a total shock." Regarding his health he said, "The last time I saw him he was in his usual lovely gentlemanly self, he was fine. You don't get to the top of the tree like he did without being incredibly strong mentally and physically."
He went on to pay tribute to Jackson's legacy: "He had his first hit in 1969 and his music will reverberate forever throughout the world. He leaves the world his music." On a personal level Morrish said, "He was a very special person. He was touched by genius which can often be a difficult thing to handle but he was a fantastic guy to be around. He was a wonderful, kind gentleman to me and my family. He had a great sense of humour and humility. He was a privilege to work with. He was a one off. The world of music is poorer for his passing."
Michael Jackson: a history. See his life in pictures, read tributes from the stars, share your memories and vote for your favourite Jacko song.
