Michael Jackson Dead After Heart Attack - Fans Worldwide Mourn
From News.com.au

Michael Jackson has died after suffering a massive heart attack and going into cardiac arrest.

Jackson's brother Jermaine fought back tears outside UCLA hospital in Los Angeles as he formally announced the death, which had been confirmed earlier by the Los Angeles coroner.

"My brother the legendary King of Pop has passed away. The family requests that the media please respect our privacy in this tough time. Our thoughts will be with you always. Love you, " he said.

Crowds of fans gathered outside the hospital. Others gathered outside his home. Passersby stopped in the street in New York's Times Square when news of the singer's death appeared.

An image has been published of Jackson receiving treatment from ambulance officers who were frantically trying to revive him. It was apparently taken by one of the paparazzi who had been a constant presence in Jackson's life for decades.

US TV networks later broadcast live footage of Jackson's body being flown by helicopter from the UCLA hospital to the LA morgue.

Jackson is survived by three children: Michael Joseph Jackson, Jr., Paris Michael Katherine Jackson and Prince "Blanket" Michael Jackson II.

Shock death
TMZ were told: "When paramedics arrived, Jackson had no pulse and they never got a pulse back." The Los Angeles Times reported Jackson was in a coma when he arrived at the hospital.

Reports from Los Angeles said some of Jackson's family were with him. TMZ reported his sister La Toya ran into the hospital sobbing, but was too late - her brother had already been pronounced dead.

There was "chaos" in the hospital when Jackson was brought in, TMZ reported a source as saying. It said one of the people accompanying Jackson screamed "You've got to save him! You've got to save him!" as the singer was rushed to emergency.

Motown legend Quincy Jones, who produced Jackson's seminal album Thriller, said: "For Michael to be taken away from us so suddenly at such a young age, I just don't have the words.

"He was the consummate entertainer and his contributions and legacy will be felt upon the world forever. I've lost my little brother today, and part of my soul has gone with him."

Madonna, perhaps the only artist who could rival Jackson's fame and influence in the 1980s, said: "I can't stop crying over the sad news. I have always admired Michael Jackson. The world has lost one of the greats, but his music will live on forever!

"My heart goes out to his three children and other members of his family. God bless."

Some of the first reaction from others in the entertainment industry came via Twitter, where gossip blogger Perez Hilton and celebrities including Pete Wentz engaged a public spat over how best to remember Jackson.

Influence
Jackson was known as the King of Pop for his dominance and reshaping of the music industry in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, first as a member of the Jackson Five and later as a solo artist. He won 13 Grammys.

Thriller remains one of the biggest selling albums of all time and went platinum 14 times over here in Australia. The music video for the title track was a worldwide sensation and his "moonwalk" dance and distinctive fashion became landmarks for a generation.

But his career began sliding in the 1990s, when attention turned from his musical abilities to his bizarre personal life and he earned the nickname "Wacko Jacko".

Reports of plastic surgery, odd behaviour and surprise weddings became tabloid fodder, but allegations of improper treatment of boys turned into a media frenzy when he faced trial on related charges in 2004.

His acquittal was carried live around the world, in scenes now echoed by the crowds of fans and followers massing outside his Los Angeles home and UCLA hospital.

LAPD homicide officers would also investigate the death, but that was only because of its high profile - there was no suggestion of foul play.

Source: News.com.au

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