Michael Jackson dies at 50

The pop icon died of cardiac arrest. Paramedics performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation before taking him to the hospital, but were unable to revive him.

Pop icon Michael Jackson has died of cardiac arrest, according to media reports.

HT Image

Jackson, 50, suffered a cardiac arrest at his Holmby Hills home and paramedics were unable to revive him, an entertainment website reported.

The website reported that the pop star suffered cardiac arrest just after 12:00 pm (0030 IST).

Los Angeles Times, quoting city and law enforcement sources, confirmed his death.

Earlier, Jackson was taken to Ronald Reagan UCLA medical centre here by the fire department paramedics.

Fire Capt. Steve Ruda was quoted as saying by Los Angeles Times that paramedics responded to a call by Jackson's home at 12.26 pm (local time). The paramedics performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation and took him to the hospital, Ruda said.

Jackson is survived by three children -- Michael Joseph Jackson Jr, Paris Michael Katherine Jackson and Prince Blanket Michael Jackson II.

The 'king of pop' was born on August 29, 1958 and debuted on the professional music scene at the age of 11 as a member of The Jackson 5, and began a solo career in 1971.

The singer was accused of child sexual abuse in 1993 but he could not be charged due to lack of evidence.

In 2005, Jackson was tried and acquitted of further sexual abuse allegations and several other charges.