Music legend Michael Jackson has died in Los Angeles, aged 50.
Paramedics were called to the singer’s Beverly Hills home at about midday on Thursday after he stopped breathing.
He was pronounced dead two hours later at the UCLA medical centre. Jackson’s brother, Jermaine, said he was believed to have suffered a cardiac arrest.
Jackson, who had a history of health problems, had been due to stage a series of comeback concerts in the UK, beginning on 13 July.
Speaking on behalf of the Jackson family, Jermaine said doctors had tried to resuscitate the star for more than an hour without success.
Jermaine Jackson on his brother’s sudden death
He added: “The family request that the media please respect our privacy during this tough time.”
“And Allah be with you Michael always. I love you.”
An excerpt from BBC News.
Thrill The World wishes to send it’s deepest condolences to the Jackson family at this time.
Comments
Laura says:
What a sad thing. He was loved all around the world.
...on 21st Jul, 2009 at 7:27 PM Report this comment
saransk.mp3@gmail.com says:
With the death of Michael Jackson the pop industry has lost its king. Many envied him, perhaps even killed because of greed, but his songs remain in our hearts. Talent, as he was not and will not be. Most of his best songs I downloaded from the site http://saransk-offline.com/Michael_Jackson/mp3download/artist2163.html.
...on 21st Jul, 2009 at 10:51 AM Report this comment
Annie Matsumoto says:
Thank you for posting this. I hope this year the “thriller” dance will be even more meaningful than last year. I hope to join you guys for this homage to dear Michael Jackson!
...on 13th Jul, 2009 at 10:47 PM Report this comment
Vanessa says:
I will always love Michael Jackson and will miss him with all my heart. I grew up with his music and I will always have fond memories of dancing and singing his songs with my friends in the front yard. This truly is the end of an era and I doubt the world will ever see a star like Michael again.
I hope Thrill The World continues and that this year will have record turn outs. I’ve never had the guts to join in past years but I will now. It’s my small tribute to the king of pop. I love you, Michael.
...on 13th Jul, 2009 at 12:03 AM Report this comment
jhon says:
Thanks for taking the time to post such a detailed and informative article. It has given me a lot of inspiration and I look forward to more like this in the future.
share your option
...on 8th Jul, 2009 at 6:36 PM Report this comment
Krisie says:
I miss and love you. I still can’t believe you’re gone. You’ll always live forever like you wanted to.
...on 8th Jul, 2009 at 12:30 AM Report this comment
Julie says:
All we can do today and everyday is remember micheal for who is was and continue to keep his songs playing, blank out all the reports that put micheal in the media all this was false it was just micheal finding his child hood he never had. And those awful txt’s just wish some people was’nt so cruel. Its today we say good bye to micheal...The pain does ease in time so lets try and heal the world as one of the pain we are suffein by beltin out our favouite tune in rememberence to our king of pop,
Remebering him for always and forever
God bless you Micheal xxx
...on 7th Jul, 2009 at 11:40 AM Report this comment
Lynn Berryhill says:
The sadness is overwhelming at the loss of Michael. He touched my entire life with his music, from my 45’s and albums I’ve had from childhood to his last day on this earth gearing up for is tour. His dancing ability compared to none...could watch it for hours on end.
I agree with all the comments about nonsense rumors and accusations. I have cuddled and slept with children, my children, my grandchildren, nieces and nephews, even children of friends and there is nothing dirty or sexual about it. Whether they were not feeling well, had nightmares, or just wanted someone to rub thier backs till they dozed off...even I like that comfort.
I believe Michael is in God’s Grace and I am grateful for being blessed by all the wonderful talent he shared with the world.
Thank you TTW, for giving us the opportunity to take part in Thrill The World Events. Something I know Michael would be proud of.
...on 7th Jul, 2009 at 4:56 AM Report this comment
Lilly Roige says:
Michael was always a special and amazing person, anyone could see that even when he was 5. I agree with what other people have said in that the allegations against him were pathetic, untrue and cruel. It’s a real shame that there are people in the world who would turn someones simple love for children into a sick, malicious rumor .
His music and attitude towards life and world issues really helped me through tough time and it was such a shock to find out he’d gone. It still doesn’t seem entirely real.
He was gone to soon and will never be forgot whether it be through his music or the thousands of people he’s helped over the years, it is a true loss, on the scale of Elvis Presley and John Lennon.
He really was the king.
Condolences to his family and friends
Michael, we all love you so much and always will. Till we meet again, rest in peace
...on 5th Jul, 2009 at 3:59 PM Report this comment
Karen Owen says:
What I find to be the most tragic part of all of this is that it took his death for all of us to show him how much we loved and adored him. Til the day I die I will never believe anything less of Michael than him having been a generous, loving and kind person who gave more than we deserved of himself. I never believed any of the negative hype about him and ache so badly for the torment that was inflicted on him by so many. Where a jury never found him guilty there are those of you who have chosen to hate and convict him.........shame on you.
Michael and his family, my ONLY guilt is that I didnt do all that I could to find a way to get a message to Michael BEFORE his death of how much I loved and believed in him. For that I am so deeply sorry. I honestly believe that I will see him again after my death because he was a valiant soul who deserves to sit at the right hand of God.
For those of you who didnt understand him ask yourself what your life would have been like if you had walked just a day, much less 50 years in his shoes. I for one cannot even phatom what it would be like to have greed turn acts of love into vile condemnation simply because none other could view life thru Michael’s loving and untainted vison of love.
RIP Michael and keep a seat warm for me, I I plan to have you help me perfect the moon walk when I get there!
Karen
...on 5th Jul, 2009 at 7:17 AM Report this comment
roadrunner says:
I can not believe Michael is gone. I was in denial
when I heard the news. And then it hit me when I heard all his cool songs on the radion in my car on the way home from work. I cried like a baby. I’ve always wanted to learn the thriller dance, but I never had guts to do that. Now, Michael, I’m gonna do it for you.
...on 5th Jul, 2009 at 4:25 AM Report this comment
Singing12Gutarist says:
I used to thing Michael Jackson was a real J-A for some of the things he did, dangle his son out a window, but I knew the world was all about money so came to conclutions that some of the stuff people said he did, wasn’t true! Like when he slept with the kid, ge did really, people might have told the kid to say that, that way, people can take Jacksons money!!!
My BF always listened to Jacksons music and I never heard him so now that he’s gone, I acctually like his music!
Love you and bless Jacksonm family!
...on 4th Jul, 2009 at 1:41 AM Report this comment
Fat loss 4 idiots says:
I am really shocked a little disturbed and depressed.MJ dead?This has got to be some sick hackers nasty joke.
And every body who hated MJ,stop making such nasty jokes...Fat loss 4 idiots
...on 30th Jun, 2009 at 10:38 AM Report this comment
Karla says:
I can’t believe it. The world will miss Michael. I will miss him, definitely! I pray for his family. Janet looked like she needed our prayers. I certainly hope that his passing (along with the passing of Heath Ledger) will help people realize that prescription drugs are very dangerous! (If this was indeed what fueled his death at such a young age). I really wish that someone could have reached him and he would have actually understood why so many of his fans truly loved him. Rest in Peace, Michael.
...on 29th Jun, 2009 at 7:11 PM Report this comment
julie says:
i love michael! hes not dead he lives on!!!
...on 29th Jun, 2009 at 5:29 PM Report this comment
Jenny says:
I can’t believe that it happened. It honestly didn’t sink into me until two days after. The reality really hit me when I was watching his videos on TV; a few channels have been playing his videos all weekend. I cried a little, but I didn’t over do it. Of course, I’m sad. The whole world is saddened. But you have to think of this as a good thing. He’s getting away from all of the media, press, rumors, and hatred that surrounded him day after day. All of the jokes, the crude humor. And, another thing, the world is finally seeing who he is and was after this.
So it kind of started a time to get together and remember the good in him. Should it have happened this late? Absolutely not. But at least it’s happening.
I’m seventeen right now, and I was pretty much raised on Michael’s music. My parents were into him a lot, and I was growing up listening to Thriller and The Way You Make Me Feel and Bad and many others. I always loved him, and especially his voice. I don’t know how any girl couldn’t fall in love with a singing voice like his. :] I love it, for sure.
And I always envied his dancing talent. I’ve always had a soft spot for dancing. I watch So You Think You Can Dance and Dancing With The Stars and stuff. It’s not what I want to do for a living, but I love doing it as a hobby. And because of Michael’s unfortunate passing, I happened to stumble across the Thrill The World videos on Youtube, and I am still amazed and completely overjoyed because of it.
So, now I’m trying to dance like Michael, even though I know that no one can dance JUST like him, sing JUST like him, or even be JUST like him. He was one of a kind, that’s for sure. Unfortunately, we’ll never have another person like him around. But Thrill The World is great, it’s one of the coolest things I’ve ever found, for sure. And if it wasn’t for his passing, I probably wouldn’t have even known about this.
So, he passed away for a reason. We all have our own reasons somewhere. Yes, the world has lost a great man and it’s terribly sad. But we all have to look at the good in it instead of having it bring us down. :]
R.I.P Michael, you will never be forgotten, love. <3
...on 29th Jun, 2009 at 1:59 AM Report this comment
Daniela says:
I am truly saddened by Michael Jackson’s passing. I heard the news at work and as soon as I got in my car I tuned my ipod to “Thriller.” I cried. I remember when I heard about Thrill the World last year I was soooooo excited because I always wanted to learn the dance and be surrounded with people equally as motivated to go out and have good healthy silly fun. People thought I was crazy and I couldn’t get anyone of my family members or friends to join me. So I went by myself, and it was a blast!
However, this year is going to have a very symbolic meaning. Michael’s music will live on generation after generation. I’m definitely going to dance “Thriller” this year (and if its planned maybe sooner as a tribute). Hopefully, my friends and family will want to join me and celebrate MJ’s talent along with the rest of the world.
I’m 25 years old, but I remember when I was 5 and wore my pink Michael Jackson T-Shirt and button.
WE WILL MISS YOU. ALWAYS. THRILL THE WORLD! AND THE HEAVENS.
PEACE.PEACE.PEACE.PEACE.PEACE.PEACE.
...on 29th Jun, 2009 at 1:19 AM Report this comment
Elyse says:
The past few days, I think I’ve really been in denial. It is finally starting to sink-in. I wish that the outpouring of support for Michael that we have seen in the last few days could have happened in recent years… while he was still alive. I am certain, he could have used this love and understanding. I have always been one of those who was proud to say I am a fan of MJ, even when it was unpopular to do so.
As I have been reminiscing these past few days, I realized that Michael has been in my life from the very beginning. I was born in 76 and can’t remember a time when I didn’t know and love a Michael Jackson song. My first concert was The Jackson’s Victory tour, my first poster was the photo from the Human Nature. MJ has been a big part of my life from birth to my 30’s… how many artists will have that level of significance?
Michael’s passing has strengthened my resolve to be more involved in Thrill the World this year. I learned the dance last year, but did not participate in the event (except in spirit). I say this is the year, we blow the world record out of the water, and give a true farewell, to this beloved artist who we will all miss.
...on 28th Jun, 2009 at 10:57 PM Report this comment
Pedro Miguel Andrade says:
Michael thank you for all the music you had gived to us! We´ll never forget u.
REST IN PEACE.
...on 28th Jun, 2009 at 6:33 PM Report this comment
claudia says:
Haora que Michael Jackson a muerto la gente se da cuenta de que el el rey del pop, de que es inocente, que no violo a nadie ...
Por la television todo el dia sale:
Michael Jackson el rey del pop a muerto nos a dejado la gente va alos platos i dicen que michael jackson no a violado a nadie que es inocente…
Michael Jackson decia en una entrevista:
cuando decir cama… pensais en el sexo… no es sexo la cama es toma te doy una cama para dormir y comida para mi es algo bonito dejar que una persona duerma en tu cama , yo duermo con niños porque los niños en neverland me decian que durmiera con ellos ,
yo les decia que pero ellos me decian que si entonces yo no tenia ningun problema y les dije si vuestros padres estan deacuerdo....
yo nunca les decia venira con migo a la a dormir....
Eso es lo que decia michael jackson.
Parece que no sepais haun que michael jackson no tubo infancia no tubo juventud ...
su infancia fue fatal su padre le pegava con el cinturon mientras ensallavan el se sentava el una silla con el cinturon el la mano para darles si se equibocavan o les enpujava fuerte cotra la pared y con cualquiero cosa que tuviese a mano les golpeavaa..
Con lo de su canvio de color, la forma de la cara, la nariz, los pomulos,los hojos salidos, el pelo liso…
1º.Casi la malloria de negros tienen una enfermedad que se yama VITILIGO es una enfermedad que aparecen manchas en la piel.
A michael jackson le salian manchas blancas
pero no tenia muchas no era muy inportante , pero hizo un anuncio de PEPSI COMERCIAL y tubo un accidentee se quemo parte de la cara y el peloo(Todo el dinero que le dieron a michael jackson lo hizo servir para hacer un centro de quemados michael jackson donde podian ir todas las personas quemadas gratis y les darain la antencion necesaria) entonces tras las quemaduras la enermedad se acelerero y comenzo a ser grave muy grave el no queria ser blanco el queria seguir siendo negro pero no podia hacer nada o ser Blanco o Morir.
2º.La nariz dicen que la nariz de le cae a trozos , que se a echo miles de operaciones en la nariz y en la cara que se transplanta pelos para hacer de barba que se a echo un hoyo en la barbillaa que los labios tambien se los a operado que los pumolos tambien se los a operado y muchas varvaridades si os digo la verdad michael jackson se a operado 3 veces :
1- La nariz ,se callo de cara inclinandoce paralante como ace el.
2-La pigmentacion de la piel VITILIGO.
3-El accidente de pepsi comercial quemaduras.
Ademas el es libre de hacer lo que quiera con su imagen si todas las personas de EE.UU que se an operado se fueran de vacaciones noq eudaria nadie.. porque solo cualpan a michael jackson?…
No os esplico nada mas porque no me cabe tantoo.
Ueno haora que michael jackson a muerto lo recordaremos como REY DEL POP SOUL AND ROCK.
Con sus disco como THRILLER disco mas vendido de el mundo,68 millones de copias bendidas.
ALFIN HAY UN DIOS EN EL CIELO(L)
...on 28th Jun, 2009 at 1:28 PM Report this comment
silvana says:
Too shocked to tell nothing more than: Rest in peace, Bad Boy. We will never forget you.
...on 27th Jun, 2009 at 6:24 PM Report this comment
Barbara says:
I just really got started on our event here, so for the last couple of weeks have had Thriller going round & round in my head and have been talking to people - lining it up. To hear the news yesterday was such a profound shock… I am the same age as Michael, and I feel so young - it doesn’t seem right. He has been through so much and meant so much to people. My mother who is 78 called to tell me, then my 14 year old daughter called to tell me. He spanned all ages, races, religions.
I hope he is at peace now. I am glad that people are focusing on his contributions at this time, as they were significant.
...on 26th Jun, 2009 at 10:01 PM Report this comment
Amada Anderson says:
I have been getting so excited about doing thriller here in NYC and organizing the event that when I heard the news on the crowded subway yesterday I was devastated and shocked to tears. I think I called everyone I knew to make sure it was true the moment the subway came up from under. It’s weird because for the past week I have been listening to his greatest hits album, just listening. Not quite sure why except that maybe I had a feeling something was happening, changing, or about to.
I’m 28 and at the beginning of this year weighed in at 320 pounds. It was time for a change and I felt the best way to do so would be to do two things at one time. First I really wanted to learn thriller and second lose weight. So when I accidently stumbled across Ine’s website I knew that Thriller would be the best way to go. How lucky am I? Thriller has inspired me to dance my pounds off!! I now know this event is truly adding a whole new aspect to my life. So thank you Michael Jackson, my prayers go to your family, friends, and many fans all around the world.
...on 26th Jun, 2009 at 6:40 PM Report this comment
Lori says:
It’s taken me awhile to really gather my thoughts about this terrible loss. The shock has worn off, and now I’m just intensely saddened that our society has lost one of it’s last living Legends.
Michael Jackson’s eccentricities made a lot of people forget just who he really was: a man who helped blur the line between white musician, and black musician. A person who voiced, strongly, his belief in humanitarianism and world peace. An artist who forever changed the face of his medium, the standards of performance, and several generation’s appreciation of music.
I was four the first time I saw a music video. Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal” was my first taste of the near-cinematic quality of music videos in the late 80s. His “Dangerous” album was the first I ever owned, given to me for Christmas at six. I played it for hours a day, dancing and experiencing the music, and it awakened a love for the medium and the movements of dance that I now realize I have neglected as an adult. Back then, as a child with all the potential in the world, it truly felt like a calling.
Michael Jackson gave me the gift of music. Something that would help define me, entertain me, soothe and encourage me throughout my childhood into adulthood. Now, with his death, I realize just how much I had abandoned that side of myself. The years spent as a teenager filled with radios blaring, CDs blasting, and songs being sung eventually drifted into a silent adulthood.
That changes today, because now I remember. So thank you, Michael, for giving me the music; not once, but twice. Thank you for everything you did to reshape the sound of our world, for sacrificing so much for your art, for allowing yourself to be a genius. Thank you for enduring the loneliness that comes with such success with so much grace and humility. You will never be forgotten. Not by me, not by my peers, not by anyone.
Rest in Peace.
...on 26th Jun, 2009 at 4:41 PM Report this comment
jollyevil says:
Michael Jackson Thriller dance at Centenial Olympic Park, Atlanta 5:30p
...on 26th Jun, 2009 at 3:14 PM Report this comment
@energeticspace says:
Michael Jackson had an impact on everyone’s life and I hope the Thrill the World tradition will continue to grow as we share with the next generation the great talent and genius that he was!
...on 26th Jun, 2009 at 2:46 PM Report this comment
Amanda says:
I am saddened to hear about his death. I will proudly do the best I can this October dancing to Thriller. Even though the music legend has passed, I hope 2009’s Thrill The World Event is bigger than ever.
...on 26th Jun, 2009 at 12:43 PM Report this comment
Julie says:
What can i say just so shocked to have heard the news could not belive it, Our king of pop and a legend that will always live on
Rest in peace micheal god bless his family
...on 26th Jun, 2009 at 11:48 AM Report this comment