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.
EDITOR'S PICKS:
he was such an incredible gigantic star, no wonder his behaviour turned odd
this will have a huge impact for people all over the world
he was very much musical gifted
rip
Posted by: peter | June 25, 2009 at 04:07 PM
a freak and child molester
Posted by: BF | June 25, 2009 at 04:07 PM
I am deeply saddened at the loss of Michael Jackson. He was the best singer dancer ever.. My thoughts are with his family and friends today. R. I. P. Micheal and thanks for the memories .
Jonesz
Posted by: Kevin Jones | June 25, 2009 at 04:07 PM
Its difficult to believe that our "KING OF POP" is no longer with us, but then again is good to know that he will always be a LEGEND and that LEGACY will never be forgotten. Michael was a UNIQUE STAR Im sure there won't be another SINGER and PERFORMER like him. "RIP" Michael Jackson, my most sincere sympathy to all his Family, Kids, and Nationwide FANS.
We sanged, danced and enjoyed his music videos. We will always remember you Michael. Love The Castillos
Posted by: GG | June 25, 2009 at 04:08 PM
Now my children are safer. A sick man, living in a sick wway of life.
Posted by: Osvaldo Soranna | June 25, 2009 at 04:08 PM
Loser. Zero respect for somebody who has to live in a $100,000 a month house.
But leave it to all the rejected music fans out there to skip that fact. Not like they have any clue about how the wheels of this world work.
Posted by: Jon | June 25, 2009 at 04:08 PM
Can't believe it is true, jacob lap the netherlands.Neopost.com neopost-technologies.com
Posted by: jacob Lap | June 25, 2009 at 04:08 PM
I can't believe that he died. I'm shocked. Brazil will always love Michael Jackson. He will always be an icon. I'm so sad :/
Rest on peaces.
Posted by: Laura | June 25, 2009 at 04:08 PM
Another reminder that Life...is fleeting.
Though I did not "agree" with Michaels' actions/decisions the fact is that he suffered and what he did, and the forgiveness he sought, is between him...and God.
May the Jackson Family find comfort, and be allowed time to grieve, knowing that Michael was beloved and provided much enjoyment for millions.
Not many of us get to leave a legacy of music, film, and thirty+ years of material. There is no doubt that his music will be played, and enjoyed, long past the time when those who read these words have joined Michael in leaving this World.
May God bless Michael Jackson and all of God's works....now and always.
Jeff Schrembs
Posted by: Jeff Schrembs | June 25, 2009 at 04:08 PM
Hasta Siempre Michael Jackson
Posted by: Fernando del Perú | June 25, 2009 at 04:08 PM
R.I.P Michael Jackson will be deeply missed and I really can't belive that he's gone. GOD bless him and he's goin to a better place now.
There will never be another singer as great as michael jackson we lost a good one today.
My prayers go out to his family and most of all his three children
Posted by: Brittany | June 25, 2009 at 04:08 PM
Well,He actually derserves it.
He had such a great life and then he got an operation,if he didn't have an operation he would still be alive. All those bones that got renewed during his operation got changed. If he never did that he would probably be still breathing.
R.I.P
Posted by: Jazz | June 25, 2009 at 04:08 PM
hey Carlotta, no one deserves to die, tht is so mean even if he did rape lil boys tht is the rudest thing u could say, he had good music and dance moves and thts all u can say thts sad
Posted by: HATA | June 25, 2009 at 04:08 PM
screw MJ freaking perve did nothing for America. Just another black man that sold out child molester.
Posted by: Emmanuel Flores | June 25, 2009 at 04:08 PM
RIP Michael. From Spain
Posted by: Margaret | June 25, 2009 at 04:08 PM
I am in shock. When my daughter called to tell me, I couldn't believe it. I know the past few years have been very stressful on Michael. The world is a better place for having known you. There will never be another one like him. May you rest in peace Michael. My thoughts and prayers are with your family in this very sad time. Denise/ Henderson, NV.
Posted by: Denise Hardy | June 25, 2009 at 04:08 PM
It's hard to believe but what matters is the legacies left beh
ind. MICHAEL GO IN PEACE!
Posted by: IKEME CHUKWUDI | June 25, 2009 at 04:09 PM
R.I.P MIKE ME WILL TRULY MISS YOU AND THE MOON walk good bye king of pop
Posted by: akedah | June 25, 2009 at 04:09 PM
Feel really bad for Farrahs family....but its about time the KING OF POPPIN BOYS is in hell!!!!!!! Children are a lil more safer now!!!!!
Posted by: J.B. | June 25, 2009 at 04:09 PM
Repose en Paix Michael.
We always Love you King of the Pop.
Posted by: viviane | June 25, 2009 at 04:09 PM
Rest in peace!! We will alwais remeber you!!
From Romania
Posted by: vlad ciurea | June 25, 2009 at 04:09 PM
God bless you Michael Jackson thanks for the music.
Posted by: Adrian | June 25, 2009 at 04:09 PM
I can't believe it. I wasn't a huge fan like most people, but I did enjoy some of his big hits. I also felt rather sad for him to see all the rumors and jokes spread about him regarding his surgeries and the molestation charge.
Poor Michael really needed a break from it all. I don't recall him ever getting one. At least now he can move on to a better place and get the happiness he deserves.
RIP Michael, there are people that will never forget you and always appreciate the wonderful music and performances you brought us. =)
Posted by: Anonymous | June 25, 2009 at 04:09 PM
Michael; you walked by me as i grew up in the 80's... RIP. YOU ARE THE KING. Make the skies moondance today and forever...
Posted by: jackson80s | June 25, 2009 at 04:09 PM
RIP
Posted by: Sergiu | June 25, 2009 at 04:09 PM