Michael Jackson died at the age of 50 on Thursday 25^th June 2009. Paramedics were called to his Beverly Hills home in the afternoon after he stopped breathing. The star was then pronounced dead a couple of hours later at the UCLA medical centre. The official line was that the singer died of a cardiac arrest, however there is currently much controversy over the cause.

The doctor who was looking after the star before his death is being sought by the police and the coroner’s office. Dr Conrad Murray had not signed the death certificate, which is a standard procedure. It was alleged that MJ was injected with a drug similar to morphine shortly before he collapsed. As a result, the Jackson family are requesting a second autopsy to clear all doubts.

The news that the King of Pop had died travelled fast as on Friday 26th a Mass Moonwalk Flashdance at Liverpool Street Station in London was organised through Twitter and other social network sites. Trafalgar Square was another popular destination for hundreds of MJ fans who turned up to sing together and celebrate his music.

Celebrities and fellow musicians have come out of the woodwork to praise Michael Jackson for his greatness and his influence on not only the music industry, but the people of the world. US R&B star Usher was quoted saying that Michael Jackson inspired him to become a musician, businessman and philanthropist, while Paul McCartney was ‘sad and shocked’ by the news. McCartney, who collaborated with MJ a few decades ago, had an ongoing feud with him over publishing rights of Beatles songs.

Michael Jackson was touted as the biggest and most successful pop star of all time. His 1982 album, Thriller, still remains the world’s best-selling album of all time. He made a killing throughout his career, his fortune exceeding $700m (£420m), but he was also known to be a spendaholic. He was plagued by debt worries, especially over the last 10 years with his Neverland Ranch up for sale in order to alleviate some financial deficits.

While there are many bizarre stories surrounding the superstar, the fans and his closest friends hope that Michael Jackson will be celebrated for his musical genius, influence and inspiration to current pop music.

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