Reports: Michael Jackson Has Died

[Joe Cook]

These are unconfirmed by the major news outlets, however TMZ and LA Times are both reporting the most recognised singer in history has died.

LIVE Stream: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/8119951.stm

Pop star Michael Jackson has been rushed to hospital in Los Angeles after suffering a suspected cardiac arrest.
The singer was not breathing when paramedics arrived at his Bel Air home at about 1230 (1930GMT), media reports say.
Unconfirmed reports on TMZ website and in the Los Angeles Times say the 50-year-old star has died.
The paramedics performed CPR on Jackson as the ambulance took him to the UCLA medical centre, officials say.
Crowds have begun to gather outside the facility, whose emergency centre has been roped off by police.
The star was due to begin a series of comeback concerts with an appearance at London's O2 arena on 13 July.
He has a history of health problems and has not completed a concert tour in 12 years.
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 "Thriller" and "Bad".
But the singer has been dogged by controversy and money trouble in recent years, becoming a virtual recluse

Let's hope this is not true!!!!!!!!!!!

[Joe Cook]

BBC News,
Associated Press,
LA Times,

Have all confirmed; Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, has died at the age of 50

[Gareth Smart]

And he has passed away.

Michael Jackson 1958-2009.
R.I.P

[Joe Cook]

How unbelieveable - a legend from the age of 5. Someone I have grown up, admiring, listening to all my life, and still fills a dance floor in main stream clubs on a Saturday night.

The word "Super Star", was made for this man!

The best selling solo star in the history of the planet, many of his songs broke all forms of records that will be unbeatable for many years to come. His album sales have never even been matched, and doubtful they will be matched for decades to come.

This guy was not only a superstar, he shaped the music we listen to today, he was not only the King of Pop, and not only was he the best selling artist of all time - he was literally the World's Greatest Entertainer and possibly the most famous name on the planet.

At the age of 50, this is such a tragic event, and he had so much more to give, he was days away from giving the comeback tour any of us had ever seen.

His music will not only live on for our generation, it will be passed from generation to generation - more so than any other music in history.

God rest his soul. 

[Ryan Jackson]

I'm still finding this news very shocking and unbelievable even after following it since the story broke. Michael Jackson truely was the Greatest Showman on Earth. Regardless of whether you liked or disliked Michael and his habits, he was an absolute genius when it came to his music, choreography and show production. He never failed to impress his fans and his work will never fail to leave an impression on future generations.

My thoughts are with his family and close friends at this time.

[Richard Reed]

... and let's also spare a thought for 70's star Farah Fawcett (who I have to say was a pretty stunning-looking 62 -year-old).

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/8118426.stm

The "in pictures" part (in the "see also" column on the right of the page) has image #9 showing her at 60.

[Joe Cook]

Im sorry - but I fail to see why a comment like that has to be put into a thread dedicated to the death of Michael Jackson.

I of course, feel sad when anybody dies, but Michael Jackson is in a completely different league to someone who was once a great star, in the 60s, but Michael Jackson has been a superstar for 45 years and is known world-wide.

Yes it is a tragedy that both have died, and im sure both will be missed, and both were greats - but im sorry it just doesnt compare.

[Richard Reed]

I take it that you're a particular fan of MJ, then? 

I bothered to look at Al Jazeera's take on the MJ story ...

http://english.aljazeera.net/news/americas/2009/06/2009625232832267134.html

... but that doesn't mean I'm disinterested in the Qantas Dreamliner cancellation ...

http://english.aljazeera.net/business/2009/06/20096263307581744.html

... its really not the end of the world, for Boeing or for MJ fans. This thread isn't sacred. This site is not a shrine.

I'm sure there are fans of Farrah Fawcett who'd take issue with you on which order these events should be prioritised, so try to put things into context and perspective. Life goes on for the rest of us to whom these two newly-deceased people were just a part of life's scenery and not in any completely different league at all.

I feel sorry that for some people the death of a distant celebrity can obviously have such an effect on their day.

[Rod Yallop]

Free speech Joe.
I don't think so. Free as long as we hold the same opinions as you. You have thoroughly debased this forum by your high handed behaviour and prejudices.

Rod. 

[George Davison]

II feel sorry that for some people the death of a distant celebrity can obviously have such an effect on their day.

And I feel sorry for Gary who foots the bill for this drivel.

George

[Ryan Jackson]

It's a shame that such an 'innocent' topic has been essentially 'ruined' by some of our most experienced and loyal users.

I know that requests have been made earlier but I want to voice mine. Some of the comments I have read have frankly disgusted me. I personally expect our more experienced users to act as role models for those who may have recently joined us or who are planning on joining this community. Surely you wouldn't want to encourage unruly posts? We have dealt with users who have acted in an unruly manner before, and you have been through that experience with us. Please, don't encourage it to happen again.

That's all I have to say on the matter and I hope you can all respect what I've said as I always respect what you guys have to say.

[Piran Smith]

It was such a shame to hear about this on the news last night - couldn't quite believe it at first, i felt sympathy for the man, afterall he kind of missed out on his childhood years. Some cracking music though, don't they suspect a possible drugs over dose ?

[Gareth Smart]

can I say that it isn't about criticism or trying to belittle people in any way at all. We at UK2000 feel the need to show that, under all the fantastic support and help and guidance that this forum provides, that we staff realise that there is a real world out there that we respect. So We at UK2000 Would like to show our members that, at the end of the day, we are all human and to show our members we do think outside of UK2000.

[Ryan Jackson]

It was such a shame to hear about this on the news last night - couldn't quite believe it at first, i felt sympathy for the man, afterall he kind of missed out on his childhood years. Some cracking music though, don't they suspect a possible drugs over dose ?

Yeah, last I heard they were trying to find the doctor who was present at the time and apparently administered the painkiller to Michael on Thursday morning. He seems to have gone walk-about...

EDIT: seems he's turned up and is now talking to LA police.