Paramedics Spent Over An Hour Trying To Resuscitate Michael Jackson, Brother Jermaine Says
More details surrounding Michael Jackson‘s tragic and sudden death have emerged in the hours since the King of Pop was confirmed dead at the age of 50. Jackson’s brother Jermaine Jackson told the media at a press conference that he believes Michael died of cardiac arrest, but advised the press to wait until the cause of death was discovered, the AP reports. Jermaine added that both paramedics and Jackson’s personal doctor attempted to resuscitate the singer at his home in Los Angeles, and doctors at the hospital spent an hour trying to revive the singer. Jermaine Jackson also praised the “heroic efforts” of the doctors who tried to resuscitate Jackson.
(Look back at Michael Jackson photos, cover stories, album reviews and more.)
Despite reports of cardiac arrest, according to the Los Angeles Times, the cause of death remains unclear. Following Jackson’s death, the Los Angeles Police Department opened up an investigation and planed to interview Jackson’s family, doctors and anyone else associated with the singer on a frequent basis to get to find a possible cause of death. However, the LAPD said they found no evidence of any criminal wrongdoing, and that an investigation is often the procedure in all high-profile deaths.
(Michael Jackson’s career from child star to global sensation, in photos.)
TMZ reports that Jackson’s autopsy will be conducted tomorrow by the Los Angeles Coroner’s Office. At roughly 6:30 p.m. PT, CBS News filmed video of Jackson’s body, covered in sheets, being wheeled on a stretcher into a Sheriff’s helicopter, likely to bring the body to the coroner’s office.
TMZ also reports that Michael Jackson did attend rehearsals for his This Is It! concerts last night at Los Angeles’ Staples Center, singing and dancing with his backup dancers. Jackson reportedly showed up several hours late for the rehearsal, which was normal, and that he was “listless,” which a source tells TMZ was also normal.
Update: The UCLA Medical Center released the following statement:
“The legendary King of Pop, Michael Jackson, passed away on Thursday, June 25, 2009, at 2:26 p.m. It is believed he suffered cardiac arrest in his home. However, the cause of his death is unknown until results of the autopsy are known. His personal physician, who was with him at the time, attempted to resuscitate Jackson, as did paramedics who transported him to Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center. Upon arriving at the hospital at approximately 1:14 p.m., a team of doctors, including emergency physicians and cardiologists, attempted to resuscitate him for a period of more than one hour but were unsuccessful. Jackson’s family requests that the media respect their privacy during this tragic period of time.”
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• Michael Jackson Dead at 50
• Michael Jackson Reportedly Hospitalized After Cardiac Arrest