Michael Jackson is dead [Updated]
Latest news: Pop star Michael Jackson dead at 50
Pop star Michael Jackson was pronounced dead today after paramedics found him in a coma at his Bel-Air mansion, city and law enforcement sources told The Times.
Los Angeles Fire Department Capt. Steve Ruda told The Times that paramedics responded to a 911 call from the home. When they arrived, Jackson was not breathing.
The paramedics performed CPR and took Jackson to UCLA Medical Center, Ruda said. Hundreds of reporters gathered at the hospital awaiting word on his condition. The sources, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said family members rushed to Jackson’s bedside, where he was in a deep coma.
The circumstances of Jackson’s death remain unclear. Law enforcement sources said that Los Angeles Police Department robbery-homicide detectives have opened an investigation into the death, though they stressed that there is no evidence of criminal wrongdoing.
The detectives plan to interview relatives, friends and Jackson’s doctors to try to figure out what happened. The L.A. County coroner’s office will determine a cause of death. A Los Angeles Fire Department source told The Times that Jackson was in full cardiac arrest when rescue units arrived.
A doctor was in the house performing CPR on Jackson, said the source who asked not to be identified because he was not authorized to speak to the media. Paramedics were called to a home in the 100 block of Carolwood Drive off Sunset Boulevard.
Jackson rented the Bel-Air home -- described as a French chateau built in 2002 with seven bedrooms, 13 bathrooms, 12 fireplaces and a theater -- for $100,000 a month. The home is about a six-minute drive from UCLA Medical Center. Jackson has three children -- sons Prince Michael 7, and Michael Joseph Jackson Jr., 12, and daughter Paris Michael Katherine, 11.
Jackson, 50, died as he was attempting a comeback after years of tabloid headlines, most notably his trial and acquittal on child molestation charges.
In May, The Times reported that Jackson had rented the Bel-Air residence and was rehearsing for a series of 50 sold-out shows in London's O2 Arena. Jackson had won the backing of two billionaires to get the so-called "King of Pop" back on stage.
His backers envisioned the shows at AEG's O2 as an audition for a career rebirth that could have ultimately encompassed a three-year world tour, a new album, movies, a Graceland-like museum, musical revues in Las Vegas and Macau, and even a "Thriller" casino. Such a rebound could have wiped out Jackson's massive debt.
[Updated post]
-- Andrew Blankstein and Phil Willon
Photos: Michael Jackson, 1958-2009
Location of Jackson's Bel-Air home in relation to Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center.
HE CAPTURED THE WORLD BUT UNFORTIONATLY LOST THE BATTLE WITHIN HIMSELF. ONE OF THE GREAT TALENTS OF ALL TIME. JOE CAPRIO/CITYLIFEPRODUCTIONS
Posted by: JoeCaprio/Citylifeproductions | June 25, 2009 at 03:32 PM
oh!
Posted by: em | June 25, 2009 at 03:32 PM
NO PUEDE SER!!!!! ESTAN SEGURO?????????????
SALUDOS DESDE VENEZUELA
Posted by: JM | June 25, 2009 at 03:32 PM
Rest In Peace Michael Jackson the King of Pop. You will be missed, i grew up with you my Friend. /Dennis, Sweden
Posted by: Dennis Persson | June 25, 2009 at 03:32 PM
Tragic life ... tragic death. Fame and fortune isn't everyting. This is just sad.
Posted by: ted | June 25, 2009 at 03:33 PM
What a day! This makes you count your blessings, even if you think you don't have many. I hope he and Farah Fawcett finally gets some peace
Posted by: DickNasty | June 25, 2009 at 03:34 PM
R.I.P
Posted by: Ghost | June 25, 2009 at 03:34 PM
A little part of me has gone with Michael. This is not happening, this was too soon...nooo.
Posted by: Gary Z. | June 25, 2009 at 03:35 PM
RIP micheal you will be missed
Posted by: Leonard B. | June 25, 2009 at 03:35 PM
How many memories with your song.
You were the Music of my youth.
R.I.P.
Posted by: Mauro, Italy | June 25, 2009 at 03:35 PM
So sad to hear of Michael Jackson's death he will be sadly missed. Lorr & Fin Scotland
Posted by: Lorraine Ronaldson | June 25, 2009 at 03:36 PM
<3 REST IN PEACE MICHAEL JACKSON!! <3
WE ALL MISS YOU LOADS YOU WERE PART OF OUR LIFE WITH YOUR MUSIC, DANCE MOVES AND THRILLER. WE WILL ALWAYS PLAY YOUR MUSIC NO MATTER WHAT DAY IT IS..YOU ROCKED MY LIFE & EVERYBODY ELSE IN THE WHOLE WORLD MICHAEL.
LOVE YOU ALWAYS~ KING OF POP FOR LIFE OVER THE WORLD!!!!
<3 <3 <3 <3 xxxx
Posted by: Natalie, New Ash Green, Kent UK~ R.I.P Michael Jackson <3 <3 | June 25, 2009 at 03:36 PM
WOW, first Farah Fawcett, and now Michael Jackson. I grew up loving both of their performances. I'm sad today.
Posted by: TOM | June 25, 2009 at 03:36 PM
very sad news my he rest in peace
Posted by: RoboSteel | June 25, 2009 at 03:36 PM
wow!
Posted by: Cristobal | June 25, 2009 at 03:36 PM
This is a very sad development. I've been hoping for the past few years that Michael would re-record one of the Jackson5 hits and find his way back into the hearts of those who loved little Mikey Jackson when he was a boy. I never gave up hope that he could redeem himself. Sad. Sad. RIP Michael, and thank you so much for all the wonderful songs you gave us. Nothing makes me feel better than hearing a Jackson5 song, or dancing to Billie Jean. You will be missed.
Posted by: Ruby Jackson | June 25, 2009 at 03:37 PM
Michael Jackson, an American Icon and forever the King of Pop.
Posted by: College Town Menus (CTM) | June 25, 2009 at 03:37 PM
I cannot believe he is gone. I grew up with his music and I will always love him no matter what. My deep condolences go to his children and family. He was our own Elvis and it is truly a very sad day for the world of music. There will never be another Michael!!
Posted by: Celi | June 25, 2009 at 03:38 PM
I'm in shock...RIP Michael. You had a very contrversial life, but also a very rich one which will leave us all with innumerable images and memories...God bless Farrah, Johnnie, and now you for enriching many people's lives.
Posted by: Joao | June 25, 2009 at 03:38 PM
can not die
Posted by: Leonardo Peña | June 25, 2009 at 03:38 PM
i AM CRUSHED!!!!!!!!!!!!! A sad sad day for me and a sad sad day for the world to have lost this beautiful man!!!!
Posted by: NoMan Pan | June 25, 2009 at 03:38 PM
NO WAAAAY
Posted by: romina pinto | June 25, 2009 at 03:38 PM
He's not dead, he's gone to live with Elvis.
Posted by: CJ | June 25, 2009 at 03:38 PM
God bless Michael Jackson's soul.
Posted by: Zel | June 25, 2009 at 03:38 PM
I can't believe Michael Jackson is dead. I just can't! So sad!
Posted by: Gloriousdead | June 25, 2009 at 03:38 PM