What a bad week for icons. First Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett early this
morning, and now the Los Angeles Times is reporting that The King of
Pop himself, Michael Jackson has passed away.
The 50 year old entertainer was rushed to UCLA Medical Center this
afternoon, reportedly suffering from cardiac arrest. According to CNN,
and confirmed by a Los Angeles Fire Captain Steve Ruda, a 911 call
came from Jackson's purported residence. Celebrity Gossip site TMZ, who
was in contact with Jackson's family members, were told that Michael was
"in really bad shape" and "not doing well" as they rushed to be by his side. At 3:15 pm the
Los
Angeles Times confirmed that Jackson was pronounced dead by doctors
after arriving at the hospital in a deep coma.
While there has been no confirmation from the hospital, due to privacy
issues, TMZ first reported at 5:20pm EST that Jackson had passed away.
According to TMZ sources, when paramedics arrived at Michael Jackson's
residence the icon had no pulse and they were unable to revive him. CNN
has also confirmed that when paramedics arrived, Jackson was not
breathing.
How does one go about describing the life of a legend? Michael
Jackson began performing with his brothers in the family band, the
Jackson 5 at age 11. Despite being the youngest member of the group,
Michael stole the show from his siblings and began a solo career in
1971. Jackson had 13 number one hits during his solo career and five of
his solo studio albums went on to be some of the world's best selling
records. Jackson harnessed the power of the new media of the moment,
music videos, to become the biggest musician in the world.
Later in his life, Jackson was as famous for the controversy that
surrounded him and his lifestyle as his music. Rumors about his sexual
preferences, plastic surgery, and financial failure
dogged Jackson, who became an eccentric recluse.
While Jackson will be remember by many as the King of Pop and the
inventor of the Moonwalk, he also leaves behind three children: Michael
Joseph Jackson, Jr., Paris Michael Katherine Jackson and Prince
"Blanket" Michael Jackson II.
--Abbey Simmons, BuddyTV Staff Writer (Image Courtesy of WENN)