Michael Jackson 1958 - 2009

Pop star Michael Jackson has died in Los Angeles at the age of 50.

Doctors were called to Jackson's house on Thursday lunch time in America after he stopped breathing.

The singer was taken to hospital, where doctors spent more than an hour trying to get him breathing again, but were unable to.

Jackson, who had a history of health problems, had been due to start a series of comeback concerts in London on 13 July.

Jackson's brother, Jermaine, later said the star was believed to have suffered a cardiac arrest, which is like a heart attack.

Michael Jackson

Speaking for Jackson's family Jermaine, said: "The family request that the media please respect our privacy during this tough time.

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

Often called the King of Pop, Jackson will be remembered as one of the greatest entertainers of all time, having sold more than 250 million albums around the world.

One of those, Thriller, is still the biggest-selling album ever, selling 61 million copies. That's almost one copy for every single person living in the UK.

Three children

But Jackson will also be remembered for living an unusual life as he got older, often wearing masks when appeared in public.

His music
Michael Jackson

He has three children, Michael Joseph Jackson Jr, 12, Paris Michael Katherine Jackson, 11, and six-year-old Prince Michael Jackson II.

In 2003 Jackson was arrested for hurting a 14-year-boy, but after a trial lasting five months, he was found not guilty.

Jackson had been scheduled to start a massive series of 50 concerts in London on 13 July, with all 750,000 tickets already sold. Fans with tickets will get their cash refunded.

SOURCED FROM BBC NEWSROUND

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