Michael Jackson confirmed dead: Los Angeles coroner

LiveNews | with AAP

As far as I'm aware, we were notified by LAPD detectives that Mr Jackson was brought in by paramedics to the hospital in full cardiac arrest and then he was later pronounced dead.

Lieutenant Fred Corral

US pop icon Michael Jackson’s death has been confirmed by a spokesman from the Los Angeles County Coroner's office.

Lieutenant Fred Corral told CNN, 50-year-old Jackson was pronounced dead at 2:26pm (0726 AEST) local time after reportedly suffering a cardiac arrest.

"I can tell you at this time that we were notified by West Los Angeles Police Department detectives that Mr Jackson was transported ... to the hospital, and upon admitting, he was unresponsive and was pronounced dead at approximately 2:26 this afternoon," Corral told CNN.

Corral said an autopsy would "most likely" be carried out on Friday but would not speculate on the exact cause of death.

"Everything is still ongoing. We will be responding to the hospital to move Mr Jackson to our facility where he will be examined to determine the cause of death," Corral said.

"As far as I'm aware, we were notified by LAPD detectives that Mr Jackson was brought in by paramedics to the hospital in full cardiac arrest and then he was later pronounced dead.

"At that point, as I said, there's no further medical history until we get and review the medical records."

As crowds of people began to gather at UCLA Medical Centre, where Jackson had been rushed for treatment, the biggest and greatest of the entertainment world were struggling to take in news of his death.

Many paid tribute to Jackson's influence on the world of music and dance. His album Thriller remains the bestselling album of all time with more than 41 million sales.

British child actor Mark Lester, the godfather to Jackson's children told MSNBC he's in shock at the news, and has praised Jackson's attributes as a father.

"They're the most fabulous kids… whatever they need, they've got me.”

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