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Singer Michael Jackson dies in LA Singer Michael Jackson dies in LA
(20 minutes later)
Pop star Michael Jackson has died in Los Angeles, aged 50.Pop star Michael Jackson has died in Los Angeles, aged 50.
Paramedics were called to the singer's home around midday local time on Thursday after he stopped breathing and suffered a suspected cardiac arrest.Paramedics were called to the singer's home around midday local time on Thursday after he stopped breathing and suffered a suspected cardiac arrest.
He was rushed by ambulance to a local medical centre, but his death was announced shortly afterwards.He was rushed by ambulance to a local medical centre, but his death was announced shortly afterwards.
The star, who had a history of health problems, had been due to begin a series of comeback concerts in the UK on 13 July.The star, who had a history of health problems, had been due to begin a series of comeback concerts in the UK on 13 July.
HAVE YOUR SAYCan't believe it. I'm gutted. RIP Michael, thanks for everything you gave us. Tommy, Cardiff Send us your commentsHAVE YOUR SAYCan't believe it. I'm gutted. RIP Michael, thanks for everything you gave us. Tommy, Cardiff Send us your comments
Concerns were raised last month when four of the concerts were postponed, but organisers insisted the dates had been moved due to the complexity of staging the show.Concerns were raised last month when four of the concerts were postponed, but organisers insisted the dates had been moved due to the complexity of staging the show.
A spokeswoman for The Outside Organisation, which was organising the publicity for the shows, said she had no comment at this time.A spokeswoman for The Outside Organisation, which was organising the publicity for the shows, said she had no comment at this time.
Uri Gellar, a close friend of the star, told BBC News: "I'm devastated - it's very, very sad.Uri Gellar, a close friend of the star, told BBC News: "I'm devastated - it's very, very sad.
The singer had been due to start a series of concerts in London in July
"I'm still trying to hold on to the glimmer that it's not true. It's too surreal for me to absorb that Michael is no longer with us.""I'm still trying to hold on to the glimmer that it's not true. It's too surreal for me to absorb that Michael is no longer with us."
DJ Paul Gambaccini added: "There's no doubt [his] records will be listened to for decades to come.DJ Paul Gambaccini added: "There's no doubt [his] records will be listened to for decades to come.
"There will be millions of people in the world who will have extreme emotional reactions.""There will be millions of people in the world who will have extreme emotional reactions."
Speaking outside the UCLA medical centre in Los Angeles, civil rights activist Rev Al Sharpton paid tribute to his friend.
"I knew him 35 years. When he had problems he would call me," he said.
"I feel like he was not treated fairly. I hope history will be more kind to him than some of the contemporary media."
ParamedicsParamedics
MICHAEL JACKSON 1958-2009 Full name: Michael Joseph JacksonBorn: August 29, 1958, Gary, Indiana, USAlso known as: The King of Pop, Wacko JackoBiggest hits: I Want You Back, Don't Stop Til You Get Enough, Billie Jean, Bad, Black or White, Earth Song Obituary: remarkable talent Life in pictures
US media reports said paramedics were called to the singer's house in Bel Air at midday.US media reports said paramedics were called to the singer's house in Bel Air at midday.
They performed CPR on Jackson and rushed him to the UCLA medical centre.They performed CPR on Jackson and rushed him to the UCLA medical centre.
Crowds have begun to gather outside the facility, whose emergency centre has been roped off by police.Crowds have begun to gather outside the facility, whose emergency centre has been roped off by police.
Jackson began his career as a child in family group The Jackson 5.Jackson began his career as a child in family group The Jackson 5.
He then went on to achieve global fame as a solo artist with smash hits such as Billie Jean and Bad.He then went on to achieve global fame as a solo artist with smash hits such as Billie Jean and Bad.
Thriller, released in 1982, is the biggest-selling album of all time, shifting 65m copies, according to the Guinness Book of World Records.Thriller, released in 1982, is the biggest-selling album of all time, shifting 65m copies, according to the Guinness Book of World Records.
But the singer had been dogged by controversy and money trouble in recent years, becoming a virtual recluse. He scored seven UK number ones as a solo artist and won a total of 13 Grammy awards.
Neil Portnow, president of the Recording Academy, which awards the Grammys, also paid tribute: "Rarely has the world received a gift with the magnitude of artistry, talent and vision as Michael Jackson.
"He was a true musical icon whose identifiable voice, innovative dance moves, stunning musical versatility, and sheer star power carried him from childhood to worldwide acclaim.
"We are deeply saddened by this tragic news and our hearts go out to his family and to music lovers around the globe who mourn this great loss."
Family
The singer had been dogged by controversy and money trouble in recent years, becoming a virtual recluse.
He was arrested in 2003 on charges of molesting a 14-year-old boy, but was found not guilty following a five-month trial.He was arrested in 2003 on charges of molesting a 14-year-old boy, but was found not guilty following a five-month trial.
The star had three children, Michael Joseph Jackson Jr, Paris Michael Katherine Jackson and Prince Michael Jackson II.The star had three children, Michael Joseph Jackson Jr, Paris Michael Katherine Jackson and Prince Michael Jackson II.
He is survived by his mother, Katherine, father, Joseph and eight siblings - including Janet, Randy, Jermaine and La Toya Jackson.He is survived by his mother, Katherine, father, Joseph and eight siblings - including Janet, Randy, Jermaine and La Toya Jackson.