Michael Jackson dies from a heart attack at 50

By Ruth Doherty on Friday 26 June 2009

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Michael Jackson at a press conference in London

The world has been left in shock following the news that Michael Jackson has died suddenly from a massive heart attack.

The King of Pop died at his LA home after suffering a cardiac arrest, but the exact circumstances of his death are unknown.

MICHAEL JACKSON: A LIFE IN PICTURES

His personal doctor was with him when he collapsed but could not revive him.

Unconfirmed reports have claimed the fatal heart attack might have been triggered by a painkiller injection.

His family, including brothers Jermaine, Tito and Randy, and sister Janet and LaToya, and mother Katherine, raced to his bedside as soon as they heard there were problems.

Jermaine last night told reporters that he believed Michael had died from a cardiac arrest, but had no further details.

He also added that medical staff attempted to revive him, but failed. 'His personal physician, who was with him at the time, attempted to resuscitate my brother, as did the paramedics who transported him to the UCLA,' he said.

'On arrival at 1.14pm (local time) a team of doctors, including emergency physicians and cardiologists, attempted to resuscitate him for one hour but they were unsuccessful.'

Jackson, who has three children, was rushed to the hospital followed by ten bodyguards.

The legendary singer had been set to perform 50 London concerts this summer, starting on 13 July, and sources say he was struggling to prepare for it.

Family sources had claimed Michael had become more and more dependent on painkillers.

One said: 'He has pain in his back and that is the reason for the drugs, but it is obvious that the painkillers have taken over his life.'

Another added: 'He had been so frail, both physically and emotionally.

'Many warned he was pushing too hard and overdoing things, but he wanted to get back to work so badly, he kept pushing himself harder and harder. He didn't want to let down the fans.'

But even his father had said: 'He's not doing well.'

Tributes from the music and entertainment world have already started flooding in.

His ex-wife Lisa Marie Presley said she was 'heartbroken' for his children, adding: 'I am so very sad and confused with every emotion possible.

'Words fail me.'

The mother of his first two children, Prince Michael I, 12, and Paris Michael, 11, Debbie Row, is reportedly expected to gain custody. The identity of the mother of his youngest child, seven-year-old Prince Michael II, has never been revealed.

PR guru Max Clifford said: 'It is a terrible shock, you wonder if the strain of getting fit for this major tour proved too much. In recent pictures he looked anything but healthy.

'He was a great talent. He was already a superstar when he was in his teens but then he was with four others. Then all of a sudden he was on his own and he did seem to find it difficult to cope.'

Music producer Quincy Jones said: 'I am absolutely devastated at this tragic and unexpected news,' adding that Jackson 'had it all - talent, grace, professionalism and dedication'.

Ashton Kutcher posted his condolences on Twitter: 'RIP. Sending love and light to family and friend but especially his kids.'

Jackson had a tumultuous personal life with rumours of huge debts and near-bankruptcy plaguing him.

He also received negative press when he was cleared of child abuse allegations by a Californian court four years ago.

But he will undoubtedly go down in history as one of the greatest artists of all time, and touched millions of people with a host of fabulous, ground-breaking songs like Billie Jean, Thriller and Bad, to name just a few.

More Michael Jackson

Friday 26 June 2009

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I'm surprised at Marie Claire giving him the title of 'King of Pop'. He may well have been decades ago but I think in recent times the only person who really believed he deserved that title was himself. Nonetheless it is sad when anyone dies, and I am sorry for his family.
Comment by Kirsteen on June 26 09:53

My daughter Lauren who is 8 say the most fantastic quote this morning: "Michael will fill heaven with his music" - what a wonderful thought.
Comment by Louise Barnes on June 26 09:54

words just fail me the los Is so big
Comment by regina on June 26 10:10

Sad sad sad ......
Comment by RRD on June 26 11:01

A gentle-man walked this way.

He will be greatly missed.
Comment by Brenda on June 26 11:41

Very sad to hear. He was certainly unique.
Comment by Rach on June 26 13:07

Kirsteen - Please don't talk about Michael as if only he regarded himself as the 'King of Pop' like he was deluded or something! That is not at all true, he was major talented and had a beautiful soul! Will he ever stop being the 'King of Pop' to millions of people worldwide? Of course not. That title will remain forever and deservedly so! Elvis is still regarded as the 'King' years after his death and Michael will always be remembered as the 'King of Pop' by millions who recognised not only his talent but his big heart too!!

God bless you Michael - Rest in peace, it seems some people will have negative things to say about you no matter what... They cannot hurt you anymore.. peace at last!
Comment by Lindy on June 26 13:50

...and yet another media-fuelled circus of grief will begin.
Comment by ris on June 27 07:54

i will miss the king of pop forever he will always hav a space in my heart and i know he will live forever no matter where he is we will all miss 'Jacko' i listen to his songs every single day of my life he is the one who made mmusic we love you jacko
Comment by charlotte on June 28 11:50

To the person who said "and yet another media-fueled circus of grief will begin", what rubbish. It is the fans who are grieving for Michael, media or no media. Michael Jackson was a legend and entertained people of all ages and walks of life. He was none other than a genius of our time and, I believe, had something very very special inside. God bless your soul Michael. You will live on and you will never be forgotten. I will keep dancing to your music forever. You touched my life deeply. Thank you. x
Comment by Katy Parker on June 30 16:46

i havenot stopped crying since, the bigest loss for the whole world. Michael helped me through one of the hardest times in my life. Now he has to be at PEACE all your pain gone and free to roam where ever he choies. My son said you are brillint and he,s 6. ALL OUR LOVE.
Comment by paula hurt on July 01 10:03

It is the saddest news for the longest time he was a special star. He gave hope and pleasure all around him,always graceful ,always smiling,He will be truly missed. How proud we are that he was a star of our time-no -one will ever match him. rest in peace and quite now Michael we love you so much. Heaven is now melodious and shining even brighter.NB
Comment by noeleen butler on July 08 11:52

One can now see why 1.6 million wanted to be in California. And 1.6 billion people watched it on TV from every country ALL over the world. The Jackons, especially Michael exemplifies the magic of music, they are PURE MUSICAL GENIUSES in sorrow and in joy. The tone of the concert, or service was finely balanced. The daughter?s speech was fantastic hope the genius also robbed off on her. Long live the king of Pop.
Comment by Jill on July 13 20:08

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