Michael Jackson's sudden death stuns the music world

The “King of pop” died Thursday, June 25, 2009 at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, sending shockwaves sweeping across the world. He was 50.

According to a BBC report, paramedics were called to Jackson’s Beverly Hills home at about midday on Thursday after he stopped breathing. They tried to resuscitate the singer for almost 45 minutes, then rushed him to the hospital by ambulance.

Trying to resuscitate the star for more than an hour, doctors at the UCLA medical centre pronounced him dead two hours later. The autopsy of Jackson is expected by Friday.

Shockwaves sweeping across the world
The United States pop star's friends and associates expressed shock and grief over his unexpected death. Uri Geller, a close friend of Jackson, told BBC News it was "very, very sad".

Paying tribute to his friend, civil rights activist Rev Al Sharpton said, "I knew him 35 years. When he had problems he would call me."

"I feel like he was not treated fairly. I hope history will be more kind to him than some of the contemporary media."

Tributes poured in from Music and Film Industry
Tributes from the entertainment industry have already flooded in from musicians, actors and celebrities including Madonna, Arnold Schwarzenegger and ex-wife Lisa Marie Presley.

Mourning the loss of pop icon and her peer, the “Queen of pop” Madonna said: "I can't stop crying over the sad news. I have always admired Michael Jackson. The world has lost one of the greats, but his music will live on forever! My heart goes out to his three children and other members of his family. God bless."

Britney Spears said in a statement: "I was so excited to see his show in London. We were going to be on tour in Europe at the same time and I was going to fly in to see him. He has been an inspiration throughout my entire life and I'm devastated he's gone!"

The star's first wife Lisa Marie Presley, said his death had left her speechless. "I am so very sad and confused with every emotion possible. I am heartbroken for his children, who I know were everything to him, and for his family," Presley told MTV News in a statement.

Jacksons mourn
"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," Jackson’s brother Jermaine said.

Speaking on behalf of the Jackson family, Jermaine said, "The family requests that the media please respect our privacy during this tough time."

"And Allah be with you Michael always. I love you."

A post-mortem of Jackson’s body is expected to take place at the LA County Coroner's office on Friday.

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

Michael Jackson- his life and fame
Born Michael Joseph Jackson in Gary, Ind., on Aug. 29, 1958, Jackson was the second youngest of six brothers. He began performing professionally with four of Jackson brothers at the age of 5 and became one of the most successful recording artists of all time with the release of the blockbuster album "Thriller" in 1982.

His album "Thriller" which included the blockbuster hits "Beat It," "Billie Jean" and "Thriller" is the best-selling album of all time, with an estimated 50 million copies sold worldwide.

Known for his sequined glove, his whitened face and his famous moonwalk dance move, Jackson was the biggest star in the world at his peak, selling more than 750 million albums.

The pop legend had been preparing for a sold-out concert run in London which was believed was to be his greatest comeback. He was scheduled for an unprecedented 50 shows at a London arena, with the first concert set for July 13.