“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.

“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.” — msnbc.com

Michael Jackson dead at 50. Wow! The news hits me like a ton of bricks.

I write this essay with tremendous sadness as a fan, not as a dispassionate journalist. I’m only two years older than Jackson, and I’ve followed his career since he was a little 11-year-old boy. In High School only a Jackson Five record could motivate this shy boy to hit the dance floor.

As a young man Jackson’s “Off The Wall,” “Thriller” and “Bad” CD’s sustained me through several career moves and several relationships.

In the 1990′s Jackson’s eccentricities and allegations of child abuse took a toll on my life-long love of all things Michael Jackson. But I still listened to all his old music; I’ve worn out two CD’s of Jackson’s “Off the Wall”.

Michael Jackson was on the verge of making a big comeback tour in the UK. I remember telling my friend a few weeks ago that it was time to forgive Michael Jackson, and wish the King of Pop success with his comeback.

I’m convinced that Jackson still had the magic, and I was anxious to watch footage of his comeback tour. Alas, we will never get to witness Jackson moonwalk again.

The King of Pop is dead, and his fans all over the world mourn his passing. The King of Pop’s music will never die! Even now, I’m dealing with my grief my listening to some old school Michael Jackson.

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