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)
Contributing Writer, BuddyTV
