Michael Jackson 'dies'

Jun 25, 2009, 22:45 GMT

Michael Jackson has reportedly died.

It is alleged the 'Thriller' singer passed away from cardiac arrest today (25.06.09). It was previously suggested he was in a coma.

Emergency services in California confirm they rushed a 50-year-old man to hospital this afternoon, but strict privacy laws mean that they cannot confirm if it was the singer.

Gossip website TMZ.com reported: "Michael suffered a cardiac arrest earlier this afternoon at his Holmby Hills home and paramedics were unable to revive him. When paramedics arrived Jackson had no pulse and they never got a pulse back. A source tells us Jackson was dead when paramedics arrived.

"Once at the hospital, the staff tried to resuscitate him but they had no luck. We're told one of the staff members at Jackson's home called 911.

"LaToya ran in the hospital sobbing after Jackson was pronounced dead."

The singer's family are believed to be at the UCLA hospital in the city, which has been cordoned off by police tape.

Michael - who has three children, Prince Michael, 12, Paris, 10 and seven-year-old Prince Michael II - was believed to have been suffering from skin cancer and was due to embark on a comeback 50-date residency in London next month.

The first dates of the tour were put back amid concerns for his health.

Uri Geller - one of Michael's closest friends told Sky News: "Like the whole world I'm absolutely devastated and lost for words because everyone expected him to come to England. He was in good health - he was rehearsing and dancing. I'm shocked."