Michael Jackson Dies at Age 50

UPDATE: Michael's brother, Jermaine, has made a televised statement on behalf of the Jackson family. He said: "My brother Michael Joseph Jackson passed away on Thursday June 25 2009 at 2.26 p.m.

"It is believed he suffered cardiac arrest at his home. However, cause of death is unknown until the results of a autopsy are known.

"His personal physician, who was with him at the time, attempted to resuscitate my brother, as did the paramedics as they transported him to Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles.

"Upon arrival at approximately 1.14 p.m. a team of doctors including emergency physicians and cardiologists attempted to resuscitate him for a period more than hour —  they were unsuccessful.

"Our family asks that the media respect our privacy at this tough time."

"May our love be with you Michael always. We love you."

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UPDATE: Lt. Fred Corral of the L.A. Coroner's Office just announced on TV that Jackson was declared dead at approximately 2:26 p.m. PT after arriving at the hospital and being deemed unresponsive.

No cause of death has been determined, said Corral, who added that an autopsy will likely occur tomorrow and that a cause of death could be announced as soon as Friday afternoon.

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UPDATE: Jackson family lawyer Brian Oxman just spoke to CNN from inside the hospital and said he has met with Michael's brothers Jermaine and Randy and that "everyone is rather speechless... everyone is just very stunned at the events that have happened."

Oxman also confirmed that Michael's sister LaToya is at UCLA medical center and that their father, Joe Jackson, is on his way to L.A. from Las Vegas.

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Unfortunately, the news from Hollywood only gets worse today as OK! has confirmed from hospital sources that Michael Jackson has passed away at the age of 50.

Earlier today, the King of Pop collapsed in his home and was taken by ambulance to the emergency room at UCLA Medical Center, where police and bodyguards barricaded the entrance to the ER.

It's been reported that the 50-year-old pop icon had suffered cardiac arrest and was not breathing when medics arrived at his home in Holmby Hills. He reportedly received CPR in the ambulance, with the 911 call coming in around 12:21 p.m. PT. Two black SUVs carrying staff members followed the ambulances to the hospital. 

Michael was born in Gary, Indiana on August 29, 1958, the seventh child of nine children in Joe and Katherine Jackson's family.

In 1964, Michael joined his brothers Tito, Jermaine, Marlon and Randy in what would become the Jackson 5. They toured for years before being signed by Berry Gordy's Motown record labl in 1968.

It was clear almost from the beginning that Michael was born to be the lead singer of the group as they gained in popularity. His boyish appearance belied the strength of his singing and songwriting talents, and as the Jackson 5's career skyrocketed, Michael became the face of the group.

Michael released solo album "Off the Wall" with Epic in 1981, the first U.S. album to produce four Top 10 Hits. He went on to release even more hits throughout the duration of his immensely popular solo career with hits like "Thriller," "Billie Jean," "Beat It," "Bad," and many, many more.

Michael became almost as famous for his worldwide following as he did for his appearance, which changed drastically from his youth with various plastic surgeries on his face, including his nose and chin. His skin also took on a white cast as he aged, which he had said was due to a skin disease.

His career was plagued with legal trouble stemming from allegations that he had molested young boys at his Neverland Ranch, as well as various lawsuits in recent years.

He was briefly married to Lisa Marie Presley in 1994, they divorced amicably after two years.

She has released a statement saying: "I am so very sad and confused with every emotion possible. I am heartbroken for his children who I know were everything to him and for his family.  This is such a massive loss on so many levels, words fail me."