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
My condolences on the death of this genius of pop music from Spain (Europe) which are 0:36 AM. Kisses and hugs for your family, friends and fans. Wherever you are, Michael Jackson, thanks for your music, your dance steps, your genius. The rest is dust and ashes. Rest in peace.
Posted by: Óscar | June 25, 2009 at 03:38 PM
Sounds almost unreal! Wacko Jacko dead??
Posted by: Al | June 25, 2009 at 03:38 PM
Rest in peace.
Posted by: Miros | June 25, 2009 at 03:39 PM
REST IN PEACE MICHAEL
Posted by: Steve Henager | June 25, 2009 at 03:39 PM
RIP, King of pop.
Posted by: Peter Horster | June 25, 2009 at 03:39 PM
Too sad! :(
Posted by: Lulamon | June 25, 2009 at 03:39 PM
The Central American poet, Manuel Gutierrez Najera, wrote this poem. In honor of Michael Jackson's ability to transcend race, creed, nationality, religion, gender, sexual orientation, geography, and every possible "-ism" that serves to divide humanity, I offer it to you the reader in Spanish. I pray that Michael Jackson has entered into glory and into legend in accordance with its stated wishes.
Quiero morir cuando decline el día
En alta mar y con la cara al cielo
Cuando parezca un sueño la agonía
Y el alma un ave que remonta al vuelo.
No escuchar en los últimos instantes
Ya con el cielo y con el mar a solas,
Más voces ni plegarias sollozantes,
Que el majestuoso tumbo de las olas.
Morir y joven antes que destruya
el tiempo aleve la gentil corona
Cuando la vida aún dice soy tuya
Aunque sepamos bien que nos traiciona.
Morir, cuando la luz triste retira
sus aureas redes de la onda verde
Y ser como ese sol que lento expira
algo muy luminoso que se pierde.
Posted by: Dr DeeCee | June 25, 2009 at 03:40 PM
goodbye Michael
Posted by: Antonietta Coppola | June 25, 2009 at 03:40 PM
can't believe he's gone Michael Jackson was cool
Posted by: jeff | June 25, 2009 at 03:40 PM
Man so sad. Rest in peace MJ.
Posted by: Gus | June 25, 2009 at 03:40 PM
I'm not fan of Jacksson but may be it's the worst new in a lot of years. He was the best.
Posted by: Hernando Rodríguez Avendaño | June 25, 2009 at 03:41 PM
is true?
Posted by: jp | June 25, 2009 at 03:41 PM
Wow...and he was just making a come back...Condolensces to his family. A true icon....
Posted by: N.A. | June 25, 2009 at 03:41 PM
I CRYEEE
MY FAMILY IS SAD
THANYOU KING OF POP
REST ON PEACE FOREVER IN MY MEAND
Posted by: LUKUA | June 25, 2009 at 03:41 PM
A real musical genuis.
I hope he was saved.
Posted by: Nick C | June 25, 2009 at 03:41 PM
I am absolutely SHOCKED!! This is unbelievably sad news my thoughts and prayers go to the Jackson Family. R.I.P Michael xx
Posted by: Shifa Karahassan | June 25, 2009 at 03:41 PM
RIP, man :(
They go in three's: Ed, Farrah, & MJ
Posted by: Melissa | June 25, 2009 at 03:41 PM
Rest in Peace Michael
Posted by: Karlinaz | June 25, 2009 at 03:41 PM
R.I.P
Posted by: David Skipper | June 25, 2009 at 03:41 PM
MJ died of cardiac arrest. This happens alot to people who have had plastic surgery. Maybe he had some done just very recently. I think the LA Times should check it out
Posted by: toby | June 25, 2009 at 03:41 PM
R.I.P. Michael Jackson. The world has lost the King of Pop. We'll never forget you MJ.
Posted by: Famia | June 25, 2009 at 03:41 PM
I can´t belive it! is not fear! RIP Michel i always love u
Posted by: Analia (from Argentina) | June 25, 2009 at 03:42 PM
Can't believe it. The man was a legend :( RIP Michael... and my thoughts and prayers are with he's children and family xx
Posted by: Carly from UK | June 25, 2009 at 03:42 PM
who is dead
Posted by: yobou | June 25, 2009 at 03:42 PM
sincere condolences for family, close friends and millions of fans. another galactic soul gone to rejoin the better part of the universe.
Posted by: pete k | June 25, 2009 at 03:42 PM
i can't believe this ... Ed, Farrah, NOW The great Michael Jackson. My prayers go out to The Jackson family. God Bless, #1 Glove!
Posted by: AM clark | June 25, 2009 at 03:42 PM
RIP
Pederast.
Posted by: tina | June 25, 2009 at 03:42 PM
Holy...wow. I didn't believe this when I read it. What a shock. Such a sad loss. My thoughts are with his family.
Posted by: Alex | June 25, 2009 at 03:42 PM
Oh my Good !!!! :(:(:(:(
Posted by: Karefe | June 25, 2009 at 03:43 PM
Oh... my...
I won't be able to forget him forever...
Commend his soul to God...
Posted by: Daniel J.W. Lim | June 25, 2009 at 03:43 PM
Mike also was Torted year ago by Saudi Aribian for 6 Billion $$$. Settled Out of Court, Maybe Michael just left name behind, as it no longer had any opportunity for Jackson family to live with. Just unwanted demandeds for work.
Signed: vondrashek
Posted by: vondrashek | June 25, 2009 at 03:43 PM
Oh my, this is depressing.
Prayers for the family & friends.
Posted by: Anna | June 25, 2009 at 03:43 PM
i really cant belive hes dead, like it really hasent hit me yet!
all over the news their saying hes dead but some how im hoping it isent true, he is such a legend and the best pop star there has ever been... if he is dead rest in peace all your true fans will always love you.
lost but not forgotton, my heart goes out 2 all hes familly :(:(:(:( xxxxxxxxx
Posted by: maria | June 25, 2009 at 03:43 PM
i love you michael jackson
Posted by: yobou | June 25, 2009 at 03:43 PM
God bless you Michael Jackson. There is no other like you. God bless your family too.
Posted by: Katrina | June 25, 2009 at 03:44 PM
My first thought was: how sad. My second thought was: I wonder if Paul McCartney's making plans on how to get the Beatles catalog back?
Posted by: Steve Acosta | June 25, 2009 at 03:45 PM
ESTAMOS TRISTES UNA COMADRE SE NOS FUE
PEDOFILILO LA CHAMAKA
CHIKITOSSSS AGARRABAN
Y AHORA QUE LE HABIA RESERVADO 5 HABITACIONES EN CANCUN
YA QUE LE AGARRE LA PROMOSION
2 NIÑOS GRATIS X CUARTO
LA VERDAD ESA CHAMACA LA VAMOS A EXTRAÑAR MUCHOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
ADIOSSSSSSSSSS COMADRITAAAAAAAAAA
DESPUES DE FRANSIS
QUE VAMOS HACER
Posted by: LA CRIOYITA-MEX | June 25, 2009 at 03:45 PM
le roi de la pop est mort , c est dur a realiser malgre ses differents affaires juridique il possedait un reel talent difficilement egalable
Posted by: wipi | June 25, 2009 at 03:45 PM
tragic.
Posted by: afanofevery1 | June 25, 2009 at 03:45 PM
It is a great loss for the world of music
Posted by: Cleice Motta | June 25, 2009 at 03:45 PM
viva el campo!!
Posted by: a | June 25, 2009 at 03:45 PM
i cannot believe it.
Is there still any chance?
Posted by: Di | June 25, 2009 at 03:45 PM
RIP Michael from France ! WE LOVE YOU !!!!!
Posted by: Doud | June 25, 2009 at 03:46 PM
Rest in Peace Michael. Only God can judge you now. Thank you for the wonderful music and great memories. I remember dancing your moves from the Thriller album videos back in high school. You were the best and still are. You are the KING OF POP!!! God Bless you and your family.
Posted by: Michael Fan | June 25, 2009 at 03:46 PM
R.I.P.
Posted by: toldu | June 25, 2009 at 03:46 PM
IF MICHEALS NOT THE KING OF POP THEN WHO IS??? IF IT IS PROVEN TO BE TRUE THAT HE IS NO LONGER WITH US THERE WILL NOT BE ENUFF ROOM IN THE WORLD 4 THAT FUNERAL DONT HATE!!!!!!!
Posted by: burnordettz | June 25, 2009 at 03:46 PM
Hi just was the best!!!!!!
Sebastian from Argentina.
Posted by: Sebastian | June 25, 2009 at 03:49 PM
OMG!!!!!! i cant believe it....omg...........i love him.........omg...........i hope he's ok...........omg so unbelieveable
Posted by: sonya | June 25, 2009 at 03:49 PM
No Man...I Will Not Belive In That... Why Michael???
Posted by: Leonardo Supriano | June 25, 2009 at 03:49 PM
it is just unbelievble!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Josje Bal-van Westenbrugge, the Netherlands | June 25, 2009 at 03:49 PM
The biggest ICON of POP MUSIC has gone...RIP...Michael...we love you
Posted by: Monica | June 25, 2009 at 03:49 PM
Praying for the family. What horrible sad news today.
Michael Jackson is an icon and has touched so many lives. RIP!
Posted by: Tracy | June 25, 2009 at 03:49 PM
you was the greatest, R.I.P
Posted by: tom | June 25, 2009 at 03:49 PM
estoy jodido. Ha muerto el mas grande
Posted by: jose | June 25, 2009 at 03:49 PM
Ill miss michael Jacson
Posted by: David Beckwitt | June 25, 2009 at 03:49 PM
Rest in peace mate. Cheers for the music and I'm hope it's as sweet where ever you may be.
Posted by: Lewis | June 25, 2009 at 03:49 PM
There was an old song that the Clark Sisters used to sing it was entitled ( PRAY FOR THE USA ) Death does not have a name. Will you be ready to answer the call.... Live life everyday as if it is your last.
Posted by: Lady | June 25, 2009 at 03:49 PM
wow, never forgotten! always remembered! rest in peace micheal, you have done so much for the world in the 50 years that you have blessed us with ... you made music, without you ... music wouldnt be, i love you.
Posted by: ilove,icheal | June 25, 2009 at 03:49 PM
The dead of Michael Jackson is a shock in my life. I will always remember him as the most powerful artist and enterteiment showman in the last century.
Michael: Nothing can forget the music that you give us. Nobody will forget you. I´m sorry how you lost your career.
bye michael.
From Chile, Francisco
Posted by: Francisco Sepulveda | June 25, 2009 at 03:49 PM
So hard to imagine. One of the first records I ever bought (in 1970) was The Jackson 5. I feel very sad for his children.
Posted by: Chris | June 25, 2009 at 03:49 PM
We loose a great man of pop-music
Posted by: Wim Swevers | June 25, 2009 at 03:50 PM
R.I.P. "King of Pop"
You will be greatly missed, you're one of the few entertainers that have touched so many people worldwide. We love and will forever miss you !!!!
Posted by: Jay R | June 25, 2009 at 03:50 PM
Well, at least he doesn't have to worry about being in debt anymore. A tragic end to a true talent.
Posted by: Mick | June 25, 2009 at 03:50 PM
It might be possible that his plastic body lives on longer than his legacy.
Posted by: Drey Griffin | June 25, 2009 at 03:50 PM
Rest in peace my friend.
Two Icons dead in one day (70's Farrah, 80's Michael). And Ed McMahon is in heaven to announce their arrival. They will be the next guests on Johnny's heavenly couch.
Now the media will have to harass someone else and you won't have to worry about it anymore.
Posted by: Matt Roberts | June 25, 2009 at 03:50 PM
You wont be missed,you were a freak,a wierdo ...I suspect all your plastic surgery had something to do with your passing Quincy Jones made you and you weren't relevant in ages...rather you were more in the news for your escapades with young boys
Posted by: Jack | June 25, 2009 at 03:50 PM
His poor kids. It's not like their childhood was normal up until now...it's about to get worse. God be with them.
Posted by: Heather | June 25, 2009 at 03:50 PM
I think it won't be long before the media come out with more rubbish about Michael Jackson now that he cant defend himself. "Just because you read it in a magazaine, or see on the TV screen, don't make it factual" - Tabloid Junkie 1995. Yes I am a fan! RIP Michael Jackson
Posted by: Ricky Johnson | June 25, 2009 at 03:50 PM
I am very sad today. Prayers for his family. And for Farrah's.
Posted by: Billy E | June 25, 2009 at 03:50 PM
Michael was an inspiration to those of us that were playing soul music/RB. We loved his music and his giant talent. We will keep Michael and his family in our prayers. He will be sorely missed.
Posted by: Jim Salinas Sr | June 25, 2009 at 03:51 PM
A genuine musical genius...a sad loss to his children and family regardless of his peculiarities.
Posted by: kmj | June 25, 2009 at 03:51 PM
im so so sorry for the jackson´s family im his fan.
michael we will love you always.
Posted by: LARYSSA SOTO A. | June 25, 2009 at 03:51 PM
k lastima es un idolo que recordaremos siempre ...todo mexico esta de luto
Posted by: lani messina | June 25, 2009 at 03:51 PM
wow i grew up loving him as a baby, he was the only one i loved..rip my hero now i can safely say my loved and lost cuzin has someone to keep her company<3.
still hard to believe
Posted by: zaneta luna | June 25, 2009 at 03:51 PM
OMG god PLEASE have mercy on MJ and keep hi with you
Posted by: MJ fan | June 25, 2009 at 03:51 PM