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More tests required in Jackson autopsy: coroner
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CTV.ca News Staff
Date: Fri. Jun. 26 2009 10:37 PM ET
It could be another four to six weeks before the world knows exactly what killed Michael Jackson.
An autopsy was conducted on the pop singer's body on Friday, but officials in Los Angeles said additional tests are needed before a cause of death can be released.
Though the L.A. coroner's office said that Jackson was taking prescription drugs -- with some reports suggesting he was addicted to Oxycontin -- no specific drug use has been confirmed.
Still, there was no trauma on the body and no sign of foul play during the three-hour autopsy Friday, said Craig Harvey, Los Angeles' chief coroner investigator.
Assistant Chief Coroner Ed Winter was with the Jackson family, according to Harvey, who added that release of additional autopsy information will be controlled by a security hold.
The body will be released once the Jackson family picks a final resting place, said Harvey.
Earlier in the day, officials released a chilling 911 call which recorded Jackson's final moments.
A man's voice is heard frantically calling for help in the audio recording, referring to Jackson as a 50-year-old man who urgently needed help because efforts to resuscitate him weren't working.
Transcript of redacted audio recording, released by the L.A Fire Dept:
Caller: I need an ambulance as soon as possible sir.
911 operator: Okay sir, what is your address?
Caller: Los Angeles California. 90077. Carolwood Drive.
911 operator: Tell me exactly what happened.
Caller: Sir, we have a gentleman here that needs help and he's not breathing. We're trying to pump him but he's not breathing.
911 operator: How old is he?
Caller: He's 50 years old.
911 operator: 50... Okay. He's unconscious? He's not breathing?
Caller: Yes, he's not breathing sir.
911 operator: Okay, and he's not conscious either?
Caller: He's not conscious sir.
911 operator: Alright, do you have him on the floor? Where is he at right now?
Caller: He's on the bed.
911 operator: Get him on the floor. I'm going to help you with CPR now. We're on our way there now. I'm going to do what I can to help you over the phone. Did anybody see him ...
Caller: We have his personal doctor here with him sir.
911 operator: You have a doctor there?
Caller: Yes, but he's not responding to anything. He's not responding to CPR, anything
911 operator: Oh, okay. We're on our way there. If your guy is doing CPR instructed by a doctor then he is a higher authority than me. Was anybody with him when this happened?
Caller: No, just the doctor sir. The doctor was the only one here.
911 operator: Okay, so the doctor saw what happened?
Caller: Ah, doctor did you see what happened? (inaudible). Sir, if you please ...
911 operator: We're on our way. I'm just asking these questions ... they're on their way sir.
Caller: Thank you sir. He's pumping, he's pumping his chest but he's not responding to anything.
The 911 call came as Los Angeles police revealed they are searching for one of Jackson's personal doctors, whose car was left outside the home of the legendary singer.Police towed away the vehicle, which was left behind Thursday after Jackson died. Police said the vehicle could possibly contain drugs or other evidence relating to the pop star's death.
On Friday afternoon, the Los Angeles Times identified the doctor as a cardiologist, Dr. Conrad C. Murray, who practices in California, Nevada and Texas.
The Associated Press reported that a woman who answered the phone Friday at Murray's Houston clinic confirmed that Murray was Jackson's cardiologist. But she would not confirm the Los Angeles Times report that Murray was performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation on Jackson when paramedics arrived at Jackson's home on Thursday.
Police said the doctor was not under criminal investigation, but coroner's investigators wanted to contact him.
Jackson died at UCLA Medical Center, despite frantic efforts by doctors to resuscitate him.Speculation of drug use
There is growing speculation Jackson was taking powerful prescription painkillers.
Brian Oxman, a former lawyer for Jackson, said Friday he was concerned about Jackson's use of painkillers, and claimed he warned the singer's family about possible abuse.
"I warned everyone, and lo and behold, here we are. I don't know what caused his death. But I feared this day, and here we are," Oxman said.
Oxman claimed Jackson had prescription drugs at his disposal to help with pain suffered when he broke his leg after he fell off a stage and for broken vertebrae in his back.
Celebrity website TMZ claims a close member of Michael Jackson's family told them the singer received a daily injection of Demerol, and the dosage he got Thursday was "too much" and that's what caused his death.
Singing legend Liza Minnelli also chimed in, saying Friday "when the autopsy comes, all hell's going to break loose, so thank God we're celebrating him now."
Around the world, meanwhile, waves of grief.
Heartbroken fans by the millions are paying tribute to the singer who smashed sales records, and defined the music of a generation.
They continue to lay flowers, and say silent prayers, at makeshift memorials outside his home, and at his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Jackson was planning a massive comeback with a series of 50 shows scheduled for London's O2 Arena -- which would have ended years of seclusion.
The 13-time Grammy-winner, who has sold more than 750 million albums over his career, had not embarked on a major tour since 1997.
Tributes pour in
Giants of the music industry joined fans in paying homage Friday to Michael Jackson:
"I can't stop crying, this is too sudden and shocking. I am unable to imagine this. My heart is hurting. I am in prayer for his kids and the family." -- Singer Diana Ross.
"I am so devastated by this terrible news. From the beginning of my career he was my idol in show business. He was a genius and an incredible artist." -- Canadian Singer Celine Dion
"The incomparable Michael Jackson has made a bigger impact on music than any other artist in the history of music. He was magic. He was what we all strive to be. ... I love you Michael." -- R&B singer Beyonce Knowles.
"He broke barriers, he changed radio formats. With music, he made it possible for people like Oprah Winfrey and Barack Obama to impact the mainstream world. His legacy is unparalleled." -- Hip-hop artist Usher.
Details of death
A fire department official said Jackson was not breathing when paramedics arrived at his rented Bel Air mansion at 12:26 p.m.
Paramedics reportedly tried to resuscitate Jackson for 45 minutes, then rushed him to hospital where doctors took over.
"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," his brother Jermaine Jackson said.
Cardiac arrest is occurs when an abnormal heart rhythm stops the heart from pumping blood to the body. The condition can occur after a heart attack or can be a result of other heart problems.
Jackson was treated at UCLA Medical Center, just a six-minute drive away. But hospital officials were unable to revive him. Jermaine said doctors pronounced his brother dead at 2:26 p.m.
"A team of doctors, including emergency physicians and cardiologists, attempted to resuscitate him for a period of more than one hour. And they were unsuccessful," he told reporters.
Jermaine asked media to respect his family's privacy "during this tough time, and may Allah be with Michael always."
With files from The Associated Press


Comments are now closed for this story
PYT
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Gerri Lable
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Happy to be me
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James
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He will be missed.
chris
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Tooney time
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His music will continue to be played. The memory of MJ as a person will fade. Years from now if we make it that far it will all be just a faint memory save for the tunes.
Cale
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Stephanie
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MHR
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Hmmm why not! If it cleared him out of all wrongdoing then I will show little respect for Michael Jackson.
In meanwhile, I am not convinced that he is innocent.
RIP Michael Jackson.
Bob in Ottawa
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Although his body died yesterday, the media killed his spirit years ago.
Fortunately, his music will live forever.
RIP MJ
But his music lives forever...
RIP.
Jim in Ottawa
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His memory will live on the music he created.
Nancy Rourke
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Vicky
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Gemma
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Forget what he ALLEDGEDLY did, something I never believed, let him Rest in Peace. Love always xx
Cyn
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Chantal Ouellette
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Cantley, Qué
Dave from Ontario
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I don't know if will be possible, but hopefully someone in Michael Jackson's family will be smart and will try to duplicate what Lisa-Marie Presley did with Elvis' estate.
CYL
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In my opinion he made himself into looking like a monster because that's probably how he felt inside.
Let's remember this great sweetheart entertainer as a genuine human genius.
MK
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For Westerners it's difficult to understand the real dimensions of that event, but for those like me Michael Jackson was way more than just music and dance.
RIP
What makes him so special?
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Michelle
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rediet
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VANESSA
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I don't know what to think of the man himself, but boy do I love the music.
Fanny
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Jay
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RIP MJ. U were the best icon ever and will deeply be missed.
Caroline
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May his family find comfort in knowing he has gone to a better place.
His music will be his legacy!
Dave in Ottawa
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The world has lost a great entertainer.
CSam, Ont
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What makes him (and other celebrities) stand out, or "news-worthy" is that they impact not just their own family, but millions of people around the world. They are different that the so-called common person, because we as society and the media make them so. Like, love or hate him, show some respect as you request for those others who passed on
THE Fatman
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A music fan of Michael Jackson forever!!
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marcel
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Jack R
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Tigercat from Ottawa
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Kasia Pietrak
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Graham in TO.
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jmeloche_mk@hotmail.com
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Don from Ottawa
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He was also a very isolated and troubled person - a weirdo - who did not grow up in the real world. Perhaps his second greatest contribution to the world, after the music, will be to remind parents that their children need to crawl in the dirt before they are ready to fly.
eddytoronto
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Our rulers have yet to hand out bread, but they have engineered alluring electronic circuses and grand distractions. In doing so they are leading the masses down the path to enslavement.
Anne
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Cher
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Steve in Montreal
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Carolyn, not in Winnipeg
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Doug, Medicine Hat
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Lewis from Richmond Hill, ON
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Ian
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Lets look at the human being for a change and call a spade a spade. If it's true that he molested those children, which I believe it is, otherwise he wouldn't have paid out millions to sweep it under the rug, that's more important to remember than the music he created. My heart goes out to those that were harmed by Michael Jackson, more than anyone else.
Farewell King Of Pop
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How fitting a Angel died earlier, waiting for the King of Pop on the
“ Stairways to heaven “.
My hearth goes to all his family and fans. As a DJ I can say “ No one compare to you except James Brown and Elvis The King Presley.
Farewell Michael, I’ll remember and call your name.
Gilles, Montreal, Qc
steve
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K.S. in Saskatchewan
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Tess
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JB in Calgary
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You can say that MJ didn't have an influence on you or that you didn't like his music; but I can garantee you that his music influenced the bands or stars that you would consider to have influenced you.
He changed music and he changed the way music videos were done, whether you admit it or not. He toured in many countries that nobody ever did and has touched many people around the world, so if you don't have anything nice to say, then please just keep it to yourself and let people mourn and remember the positives of his life for a few days.
Andrea Jackson
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George in Calgary
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Child stars? Does it equal child abuse???
RIP MJ
Cheryl-ann
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Dan
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Andrea Jackson
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Oshawa
Adam in Mitchell
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Jennifer W. Toronto
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David in Ottawa
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Ryan Armstrong - Calgary
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DW
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saddened.
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Tanya
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Child of the 80's
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njla
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Regardless of your personal opinions, someone's son/brother/father/uncle has passed away. Leave him alone!
How would you feel if someone you love dies and they are personally attacked publicly? Give me a break! What is wrong with people?
G. Gravelle, Ottawa, Ontario
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If I hadn't found out yesterday that Farrah Fawcett died, I wouldn't know it today. There's nothing about her in the news - it's all about Michael.
Ian Seggie
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"Wounds of broken trust heal slowly, somehow he sung through the pain notes of Joy for Us and we beheld the beauty of his dance in our souls", MC Hammer, June 25, 2009.
Suzie in Ottawa
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Corinda
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Cathy
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Yes it is true, there have been many headlines in the tabloids about him...what was really true...no one writing on this site will ever know.
There is one thing that is true...the influence Michael had on music. The list of awards in recognition of his achievements is a lengthy one.
Whether he was considered a fashion icon or not...the man was able to have fans of his music both young and old...even when he wasn't making records or touring. Many people, I as well, made sure we were available for the debut of the "Black or White"...the lengthy video was the talk of the town the next day.
In addition to music he was also recognized for his humanitarian side. It has been a a while since someone made a video like "Man in the Mirror".
He was a true music icon and he will be greatly missed by all his fans.
Donna from Spruce Grove
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RIP Michael
Mr and Mrs Ormiston
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Especially to Katherine, your loss is going to be tramatic, my love is with you. and to his babies, your dad was the best, hold your heads high and be ever so proud, he was a great man with a childs heart, thank the higher spirits for giving this world such a precious gift, Thanks mikey for all your lovely music. RIP Mikey, you are loved.
BIG-JIM
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MICHAEL you were the greatest, rest peacefully now KING OF POP!
Bob S. Florida U.S.A
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People should put more of this energy and interest in things that really matter.
Down here in the States I see how people are reacting to Jackson.
I wonder how many of them are following the health care, Immigration and green energy bills that Congress is debating on. Or maybe whats happening in Iran!
"Bread and Circus".
Sandra
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letty
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Sandra from Montreal
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I grew up with his music, loved him and think very highly of him.
The fact is he was and always will be the KING OF POP, no one can replace him, let's remember him for the music he created, the dances he has done and the many fans that cheered him on. And that he was a human being like everyone else.
R.I.P. Michael. You will never be forgotten.
Linda
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Kyle Hickey
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May he Rest in peace. And god bless his family durin this awful time.
Cindy
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My prayers are with him and his family. He will now rest in peace...no media can bother him anymore!
Tony
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GiGi
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R.I.P. Michael. You will forever be moonwalking through my heart.
Remembering an ICON
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Tony fron Vernon
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Ted
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CMT
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My my..how we criticize some one we don't know.
Because he was an entertainer his life was some what an open book. But really for those of you who say he was a weirdo..what made Michael Jackson weird? I'll bet he was no weirder than the kid down the block with all the tattoos and piercings that you haven't talked to cause he looks "weird".
Michael was a son, brother, husband, father, uncle and friend to a lot of people...they knew him personally. Let them mourn the loss of their beloved with out hearing any one trash the one they loved.
He was a human being just like the rest of us.
My condolences to both the Jackson family and the family of Farrah Fawcett.
Randy
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GK
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i remember seeing for the firs time on tv and we wondered who is this kid??
he's just like us!!!!
it was life changing for me and my sister and even my parents...
Marie
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LEANNE
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My deepest condolences go out to MJ's children and family.
MJ, your music and spirit will live on til the end of time-God Bless.
P.S. The music industry will never be the same again!
Rose
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Gis Bun
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That said, I think it's already getting a bit overdone not by CTV but all networks in showing what seems to be wall to wall coverage of a story where there has been nothing new since yesterday. There is actually other news in the world besides this. How many times will the networks show his good and bad sides of his life or people standing around his walk of fame plaque?
Lisa Connors
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STRUPIT
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Yes .. Farrrah has passed too.. and it was GIVEN.. Its called cancer.
MJ passed SUDDENLY.. That is why the news is pressing that, Rather than somthing that was expected.. Like cancer!
MJ is the bomb, and each of you know it..
NOTE TO ALL YOU hATERS:
Deep down you dont hate it..
Cause really .. WHY ARE YOU ON THIS PAGE THEN! Obviously the news is attracting your attention to this matter. so BEAT IT, and shut your hole if you are being ingorant. !
Any how.. MJ will LIVE ON , and All you haters can BEAT IT.
Drew in Ottawa
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Yes, he was a very strange and bizarre human being, and yes, he was probably guilty of his crime in 1993, but you can't dispute the facts that he had on the world of music.
He left a permanent mark in music that has become the envy of future artists and performers.
RIP Michael Jackson. You were probably the single most misunderstood performer that has ever lived.
LINDA
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His music will be forever in my heart.
Rest in Peace MJ
Linda
RIP and GOOD BYE PLEASE
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WHO CARES!!!!!! Glad the weirdo won't be with us any longer. His 15 minutes turned into 50 years of fame and now forever. Let's be clear, there are a LOT MORE PEOPLE in this world we should idolize than this fool and I for one, am not upset at all for his passing. Good bye.
Jayme
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Reece
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Nope, his music will live on - and actually, it's not his anymore but his estates. He is dead - no existent. There's no heaven, there's no hell. That's life - no big deal.
Mike Mitchell
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RP
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Whatever peoples opinions are on your personal life, there is no denying your talent in music and entertainment.
Thoughts are with your family at this time and may they be given time -as it seems that even in death there will now be stories and controversy still.
Keith K
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Deb M from Edmonton
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Jonathan, Halifax
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Gary
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Yeah what they said!
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Susan in Calgary
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Fed-Up Canadian!!!!
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Lina Caruso
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I am also saddened by Farah's passing. She will be remembered always for being a Charlie's Angel!
May both have eternal peace. LinaC
Donna
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Lisa
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Eyes Wide Open
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A shame, but now the insanity will begin. This is going to go on for months.
Tomm, Winnipeg
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debra
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Jockey Grace
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Why didn't they take him to the hospital right away like they're trained to do?
That seems kind of odd considering the hospital was minutes away...
Brent
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RPS
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How many of you -or rather us that have tickets for the concerts in london would forgo a refund and allow our ticket money to be put to a charity in MJ's name?
I know I would providing it was a trust to do honest good work in MJ's name.
This is of course to those who paid original prices and not from touts/ ebay etc.
Baker Ottawa
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Parv
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RIP Michael.....
To the "happy to be me" person below, if you had nothing smart to say you should have kept your comments to yourself....
THe EnD
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This is not a role model. The real Michael Jackson left the building over 15 years ago.
tim
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Long live the king.
Alex (Toronto)
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Unfortunately a chunck of North America popular culture focuses on celebrity as an end in itself instead of as a side effect of achievement. Any misjudgements he may have made in his personal life are insignificant compared to how his work changed the lives of hundreds of millions of people, or even to how his charity contributions benefited thousands of people. Small-minded people who obsess about negative details reflect poorly only on themselves, not on the remarkable accomplishments of this great performer.
kate
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Kojak
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Elaine
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Dale
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Gord Jennings
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The Princess
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Michelle
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RIP and GOOD BYE PLEASE
I will say this once here:
His 15 minutes turned into 50 years of fame and now forever. Let's be clear, there are a LOT MORE PEOPLE in this world we should idolize than this fool and I for one, am not upset at all for his passing. Good bye.
What a stupid thing to say! Obviously the hundreds of comments from people here who loved the man tell us that someone did care. Just because you don't, doesn't mean that the other hundred people here don't care. Get over yourself and quit thinking the world revolves around you.
If you don't care, don't read the articles.
Josette from Tillsonburg
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Laura
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My comment is that I am saddened by the lack of coverage for another entertainment icon and legend: Farah Fawcett! Does the media perceive her death any less than another? She also contributed much to the world of entertainment and should also be celebrated as such...... It appears that Michael Jackson's death has over-staged the death of another CANCER victim.
Allan Eizinas
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There will be the ones who will excuse his “personal demons” and “unfortunate difficulties with the law” because he was a musical genius.
There will be the ones who will castigate the judicial system using Jackson as an example (and be sure that OJ will get brought into it too) of people able to dodge justice because they are multi-millionaires.
There will be those who will be psychoanalyzing his “eccentricities” and finding the cause in something in his early years.
There will be the analysis of the lyrics of his musical hits to explain his bizarre behavior.
Just wait until the autopsy toxicology reports come out. There will be numerous comparisons with Marilyn Munroe and Elvis.
There will be the conspiracy theories.
Soon the lawyers will be registering the different law suits by those claiming debts and obligations in the pre-mortem period.
And there will be those who couldn’t care less!
Good-Bye Michael Jackson – unfortunately you will never R.I.P.
Bridget Kitchener, Ontario Canada
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VJ
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david sawkiw[saskatchewan farmer]
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I'm kinda glad I'm not famous...
Samantha Pagoney
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A Fan...
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RIP King Michael
CactusNovak
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Dave S Calgary
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anyway now that he has passed he will not have to pick up his nose off the ground anymore.
Tomm, Winnipegg
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Dave Colwell
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Something was lost for me when he embarked on all the stupid plastic surgery.He seemed to not be able to be himself...very sad.
Bob S. Florida U.S.A
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Proud Canadian
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Dave in Whitby
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The American media & courts really were hard on Mr. Jackson which is partly why he went into hidding late in his life . The next Genneration will remember his Music now & not the other stuff . So Good-bye Mike & Farrah - Rest in Peace .
Margaret
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sunblock 40
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ajyue
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jay
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People have the right to free speech.
Bob in Ottawa
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Isn't it odd that his personal physician (cardiologist ?) is doing CPR while MJ is on the bed ?
Should they know better ?
The 911 paramedic had to tell the caller to take him off the bed. Then mentions someone with higher authority than him was already there ....
Diane Rogers PG
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Let's get on with life...life is for the living.
Jim
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Helen
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Things to think about
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AND what kind of medical professional doesn't know to put someone on the floor (or other rigid surface) to perform CPR. Trying to do this on a bed would be a waste of time, and may have contributed to the inability to revive him.
fortunate son
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