People News

Reports: Michael Jackson is dead (1st Lead)

Jun 25, 2009, 22:44 GMT

Pop star Michael Jackson died Thursday after collapsing at his home in Los Angeles, CBS News and the Los Angeles Times reported. He was 50. EPA/STR

Los Angeles - Pop star Michael Jackson died Thursday after collapsing at his home in Los Angeles, CBS News and the Los Angeles Times reported. He was 50.

The King of Pop was found unconscious in his rented mansion and was rushed to the UCLA Medical Centre. A large crowd started to form outside the medical centre, joined by news crews and reporters. A news helicopter hovered overhead, according to broadcast images.

Initial reports by CNN said he was in a coma after cardiac arrest, but Captain Steve Ruda of the Los Angeles Fire Department did not comment on his condition except to say he was given 'extreme care' by paramedics.

An increasingly frail and financially-challenged Jackson had been preparing for a 50-concert run in London.

Jackson's rented home was roped off after paramedics arrived to transport the King of Pop to the hospital.