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:
The child who never grew up to be a man
Posted by: mark | June 25, 2009 at 03:53 PM
I loved Michael Jackson from my earliest memories of him, watching the Billie Jean Video on MTV as a little girl.
I hope you are at peace Michael. I will never forget you.
Posted by: Sara Dickey | June 25, 2009 at 03:53 PM
To the Jackson family,may peace be with you in this time .....
No words can described the shock that you have received.
yes i also was on that have grown up with all of you.
again ,may the comforter be with you....
Posted by: margauex50 | June 25, 2009 at 03:53 PM
We have lost arguably one of the greatest singers and entertainers in history. And although he had lost his way he was attempting to rekindle the love that America and the world had for him and his music.
I am in shock and disbelief that he is gone and we never got to see his comeback. Today I believe the music died. Long live that creative spirit and the talent that truly made Michael and others like him larger than life.
Posted by: Brian | June 25, 2009 at 03:53 PM
RIP Michael, you are a legend mate!
Posted by: Brett from the land down under | June 25, 2009 at 03:53 PM
tem certeza dessa notícia?
brasil
Posted by: ana emanuelle | June 25, 2009 at 03:53 PM
Nuestras condolencias a la Familia Jackson.
Michael, que descanses en PAZ.
Desde ARGENTINA, nuestra familia lamenta muchísimo tu deceso.
Te agradecemos profundamente todo lo que has hecho por el POP y la entidades de Bien.
Te queremos y te vamos a extrañar!!!
Posted by: Familia Guerrero-Tollorezco | June 25, 2009 at 03:53 PM
no puedo creer que michael jackson este muerto
es simplemente increible
me impacta demasiado saber que uno de mis cantantes favoritos haya fallecido
aunque no termino de creer
ya que algunas paguinas afirman que esta en estado de coma
si es que michael jackson murio
descanse en paz
r.i.p
Posted by: uriel | June 25, 2009 at 03:53 PM
I knew michael is innocent of all molestation charges. I am a big fan of his. Love all his music. Damn, was hoping to hear his music again. HIs music just make me feel so good. God bless him in heaven. A pretty face, lovely voice, and very talented person.
Posted by: jennifer | June 25, 2009 at 03:53 PM
Wow, A true SHOCKER!!!!... Rest in Peace Finally MJ..... You were the bomb!...
From Belize!
Posted by: Ricco From Belize | June 25, 2009 at 03:54 PM
so long king of pop. thanks for music. thanks for the moves. thanks for the memories. rest in peace Michael.
Posted by: al phil | June 25, 2009 at 03:54 PM
We sorry for him we will play all day his songs ,
SLEEP in PEACE MICHEL I grow up with your song
taewu
Posted by: taewu | June 25, 2009 at 03:54 PM
I never felt particularly sorry for him but I did have a certain level of compassion considering that the public dogged his every move for the last 25 years. I never completely bought the molestation thing because quite frankly I honestly believe that's what the parents was hoping would happen or that they could conjure up for a few million bucks.
This guy led a tortured life. Somewhere along the way, something mentally snapped and all I saw with him the last 15 years was a level of self-hatred that was sad. I can say that I'll miss hearing about him, at least from a musical sense. He was one of the best.
Posted by: IronBob | June 25, 2009 at 03:54 PM
OMG! I can't belive this is happening! I'm sitting in my home playing on my computer, when i suddently get a message that says Michael is dead!
Posted by: Anonymus | June 25, 2009 at 03:54 PM
If Mr. Jackson had taken a little-known test developed at MIT for NASA for use by astronauts, his heart attack may have been preventable. Called Micro-volt Trans Wave Alternans (Google "MTWA" for more information; third item down), it helps determine susceptibility to cardiac arrest. It was approved by the FDA earlier this decade, it is non-invasive, takes a half hour to perform, and costs $400 (reimbursable by Medicare for $216). Had he taken it, he may have been able to prevent it. Protection is always better than cure. Everyone should consider taking this test. Godspeed Mr. Jackson.
Posted by: David | June 25, 2009 at 03:54 PM
QUE DESCANSE EN PAZ . HORACIONES PARA EL . WE WILL MISS YOU.
Posted by: Aaron B | June 25, 2009 at 03:54 PM
So, Ed, Farrah, and Michael have passed away. Does anyone recall just a few weeks ago that David Carradine also passed?
That makes four, not three recognizable celebrities. And only David's death is a mystery. The other three have died of "natural" causes.
Posted by: turkey | June 25, 2009 at 03:54 PM
Rest in peace Mike!
We will miss you!
Posted by: KC | June 25, 2009 at 03:55 PM
About time he died.
People die everyday, and people treat MK like he's the god of music.
Just too bad it wasn't 10 years ago.
Posted by: Alex | June 25, 2009 at 03:55 PM
OMG! I was listening to Michael Jackson's Thriller when I received the call Michael was dead. I am in shock. I love his music. How did this happen?! I am guessing it was some medication overdose like Keith Ledger? I feel like a family member died.
Posted by: digialpha | June 25, 2009 at 03:55 PM
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.....porque...... el mundo esta de luto por que tu mueres pero aun sigues en nuestros corazones........de COLOMBIA PARA EL MUNDO el mas sentido pesame....
jackson you want and always be with us ..... thank you very much for bringing your talent from colombia ........
Posted by: Edgardo Castro | June 25, 2009 at 03:55 PM
rip
Posted by: soeren | June 25, 2009 at 03:55 PM
Wow! I did not see this coming....I remember when I little I used to dance to his music...Michael you will be truly missed!!! R.I.P my friend...
Posted by: Johnathan | June 25, 2009 at 03:56 PM
R.I.P YOU WILL BE MISSED!!!!!!!!
Posted by: TAYLOR | June 25, 2009 at 03:56 PM
micheal jackson touched so many life. he a icon that we will never forget in these days of the recession of the heart break of times.. days go on.. but life will never be forgotton.. we love u micheal jackson.. RIP to the king of POP
Posted by: kid tech | June 25, 2009 at 03:56 PM