Photo: Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times — Fans line up to view Michael Jackson’s star and pay their last respects.
Photo: Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times — a fan reaches under a barricade to touch the star of Michael Jackson in front of Grauman’s Chinese Theatre on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Photo: Barbara Davidson/Los Angeles Times — Fans celebrate the life and music of Michael Jackson in the Leimert Park area of L.A.
Funeral arrangements are underway for Pop Idol, Michael Jackson. Last night at around 9:30 p.m., the Los Angeles County Coroner released Jackson’s body to a local mortuary. An autopsy was completed yesterday, but L.A. County Coroner’s Office Spokesman Craig Harvey said more tests are needed to determine the exact cause of death. Harvey stated there was no sign of trauma or “… indication of foul play.” Those toxicology tests will take an extra 4-to-6 weeks.
The King of Pop died suddenly on Thursday. Jackson was rushed from his rented West Los Angeles home to UCLA Medical Center by paramedics. The 50-year-old singer had apparently stop breathing. Doctors tried to revive him, but failed. Jackson was pronounced dead at 2:26 p.m.
The reaction to the superstar’s death has been overwhelming. Internet websites crashed from the huge traffic, radio stations have been playing his music nonstop, and fans around the world have gathered to remember the legendary entertainer’s incredible career and body of work. Jackson reportedly sold 750 million albums worldwide, 100 million of those were for “Thriller,” considered the best-selling album of all time. The night before he died, Jackson was working on a spectacular comeback tour and rehearsing in the Los Angeles area.
Meanwhile, there continues to be speculation that prescription drugs played a part in Jackson’s death. Police are reportedly trying to reach Dr. Conrad Murray, who was Jackson’s live-in physician. Murray was reportedly at Jackson’s home when he died. Investigators spoke with Murray on Thursday, but want to question him again. Murray’s car, which was parked at Jackson’s home, has been impounded by police because it may contain evidence that could help unravel the mystery of what killed the music icon.
More photos related to the death of Michael Jackson on the Los Angeles Times website.
