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Cops in Los Angeles are quizzing Michael Jackson's personal doctor over claims the singer took a deadly overdose of painkiller Demerol before his sudden death yesterday.

According to a close family member, Jacko had been given an large dose of the drug - which can trigger heart failure - at 11am local time to help to deal with pain after a rehearsal.

He collapsed in his Hollywood mansion 90 minutes later and was pronounced dead shortly after being rushed to hospital.

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Los Angeles police spokeswoman Karen Rayner confirmed that coroner's investigators were interviewing the live-in doctor - whose car has been towed away for examination - but stressed he was not under criminal investigation.

"His car was impounded because it may contain medications or other evidence that may assist the coroner in determining the cause of death," Ms Rayner said.

The results of a post-mortem could take six to eight weeks to be confirmed.

Meanwhile, the world of music was mourning the loss of one of the greatest entertainers of the 20th century.

Last picture: Jackson's body is moved into an ambulance
Last picture: Jackson's body is moved into an ambulance

Thousands of fans gathered outside the hospital as music legends from to Quincy Jones - who produced 59-million selling album Thriller - to Madonna paid tribute to the troubled pop genius.

Celeb XS tribute

Michael had been due to perform a marathon 50 concerts at London's 02 from next month: the tour was to restore his reputation and his bank balance after a decade in which his controversial private life drowned out his stardom.

Friends said the stress of the forthcoming tour - which sold out in 24 hours and had already been pushed back once - may have contributed to the star's declining health.

Jackson leaves three children, Michael Joseph Jackson Junior, Paris Michael Katherine Jackson and Prince "Blanket" Michael Jackson II.

For full coverage of Michael Jackson's life buy the News of the World on Sunday.

Your comments

This article has 79 comments

It's nearly 4 months since you left us, Michael...

I think about you every day and I still miss you soooo much.

I Love You.

By Jasmine, Doncaster. Posted October 11 2009 at 2:41 PM.

1-st Forever Micheal Jacson ,,,,

By ENVER UKSHINI. Posted October 8 2009 at 2:29 PM.

i can sing all of your songs michael jackson and when i sing them i sound like you love kenny forever king of pop.

By kenny. Posted October 7 2009 at 1:03 AM.

Michael died as a hero and still is a hero

By Andrei. Posted August 12 2009 at 12:33 PM.

i love you michael!!!!!!!!!!!!

your really a great singer but you were my celebrity crush till now you will always be engraved in my heart


By marianne hisoler. Posted August 4 2009 at 2:17 PM.

I love you forever, Michael Jackson....
R.I.P

By Antonio Dantas Jr.. Posted August 2 2009 at 3:26 PM.

When my mom came into my room at 6:09 she said "Evie, i have some bad news...Michael Jackson has Died".And from then to 10:30 i was crying my eyes out.I loved him as my Brother,Father,Son and Husband. I now pray 2 times a day when no one looks.


MICHAEL JACKSON WE LOVE YOU AS OUR BROTHER,FATHER,SON AND HUSBAND!

By Evie Edwards. Posted July 26 2009 at 9:30 PM.

im absolutely devastated about michael,he was lovely,kind,gentle always thought of others before himself,im upset as to michael had been having chest pains on the 16th june and shortness of breath,and on the 21 june he was feeling ill,so why didnt the heart doctor mr conrad do something about it,take him to hospital ,he was in no fit state to sort himself,he should have been hospitalised,he might have still been here todady if he got help,i cant believe all the people that he had round him ,no one saved him from all that pain,he should be still here,
r.i.p michael your a star.
anna

By ann. Posted July 22 2009 at 1:26 PM.

a true icon ! R.I.P Michael you taught us so much about the world we live in and how to be a better person. a legend and the only King of Pop!!

By Michael. Posted July 15 2009 at 6:26 PM.

I am big fan of michael jackson and I lesson to his music and he will be miss restin peace

By jacqueline hunter. Posted July 12 2009 at 3:15 AM.

i like Michael jecson i am miss u and we r all fans miss ur beautiful song.

By sohana chowdhury. Posted July 9 2009 at 7:29 AM.

Michael was the King f pop! And to e he still is.I love Michael Jackson and I miss him.

By Olivia. Posted July 8 2009 at 1:44 AM.

O.m.G

i was reading when he was dieing and started crying....

love always lizbeth

love and miss u micheal jackson

oxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

By Lizbeth. Posted July 7 2009 at 12:31 AM.

grow up ppl, the family wants peace right now, and by the way if you were famous would u like millions of ppl always following u, screaming when they see you and so on...its just sick how u love some1 u never even met in real life

By pizike. Posted July 5 2009 at 11:10 PM.

i love you Michael Jackson

R.I.P Michael

By Virna. Posted July 1 2009 at 9:11 AM.

the news of micheal jacksons death has shocked everyone, from the u.k to the other side of the world, people of all ages have cried!
o.k were all upset but why dont people just drop it now and think about his family and children,
he was a wonderful singer but his personal life got in the way! shouldnt that teach us a lesson (not to interfear)
so that other celebrities dont end up the same way!
micheal jackson to me was one in a million!
(my generations elvis)
my mum loves him i love him and now my younger sister loves his music!
god rest in peace mj and lets hope now that youve gone youl have a better life upstairs!!!

By lucy. Posted July 1 2009 at 3:30 AM.

To The Family:
May you find peace in your most cherished memories of Michael. He was a well loved and respected person.
He will be sorely MISSED!!!

By Patricia Wade (bermygal). Posted June 30 2009 at 11:16 PM.

I'm saddened to hear of Michael Jackson death.When the Lord calls our loved ones home,he leaves a gift of memories in exchange.of love and friendship of treasures to carry with us always.It's hard to understand why people , we love are taken from us .But find comfort in knowing Michael Jackson is not alone...he will be reunited in eternity .God is always in our corner in time as this.so when your heart is empty,filling it with happy memories .We love you Michael.

By cynthia. Posted June 30 2009 at 12:03 PM.

i love michael jackson!

By angelo. Posted June 29 2009 at 8:08 AM.

michael u r a best and steal and always king of pop i love u so much than u love your self and i have not see you and i always liked to see u and take a photo with u but i couldn't but i will see u in paradise i hope but not yet my brother not yet with love miran

By miran. Posted June 28 2009 at 11:49 PM.

You are not alone.

Love and respect for MJ

By Bertoez. Posted June 28 2009 at 6:56 PM.

i was shocked to hear the sad news that michael jackson had died. he was and still is the king of pop he was a musical genius.. you was the greatest performer that ever lived.your music will live on in your memory,my condolences are with your family and especially your children at this sad time.you will be s00 sadly missed.
good night and god bless you
michael.xxxxxxxxxxx
jean from london

By jean. Posted June 28 2009 at 3:34 PM.

i was shocked to hear the sad news that michael jackson had died. he was and still is the king of pop he was a musical genius.. you was the greatest performer that ever lived.your music will live on in your memory,my condolences are with your family and especially your children at this sad time.you will be s00 sadly missed.
good night and god bless you
michael.xxxxxxxxxxx
jean from london

By jean. Posted June 28 2009 at 3:29 PM.

r.i.p micheal ur a true legend and no one can beileve u have gone every one misses you loads .x.
The king of pop will never been forgotton lets go for no . 1


By melissa and cathryn . Posted June 28 2009 at 1:53 PM.

REST IN PEACE MICHEAL U WILL BE SADLY MISSED. I CANT BELIEVE IT, ITS SO SO SAD. G

By p. Posted June 28 2009 at 12:51 PM.

I Cant belive he is acctualy gone!
You would think he is one of them people who would be very happy and never die. But obv not.
I feel sorry for his kids! It's hard to lose someone you care about SOO Much. I wounder do any of his kids have a amazing talent like him ? singing or dancing? prehaps we should find out.
I Hope He R.I.P forever :)
Love micheal jackson muchly!!
From Alex
Birmingham

By Alex B. Posted June 28 2009 at 12:41 PM.

i,i,im so sad,i couldnt believe this was happening,i,i thought MJ could live so long,but,but aaa,i dont know want to say what,may ALLAH bless you...we love ya....MJ

By Hiffhs. Posted June 28 2009 at 2:56 AM.

Although Michael was a troubled soul, let's not forget that he was also a talented artist. The 'King of Pop' was also the King of RnB: his dance routines are still very now, they have been emulated by countless RnB and dance artists. He was also a gifted singer and, above all, he had an unsurpassed stage presence. He was unique in many ways, and certainly not a bland manufactured product like - sadly - many of the acts out there today.

By Nathalie H, from Manchester. Posted June 27 2009 at 11:40 PM.

When i first heard about it ,it was on thursday night..i couldnt believe it,,i didnt want to tell my 2 children as they are massive fans,even though they are only 8 and 6,they know the words better than me and the dancing..they are true fans as i am..just goes to show his music touched everyone no matter how old ,how young..my love and respect goes out to his family..
The worlds lost a great man.
R.I.P XXX

By rebecca morris. Posted June 27 2009 at 11:22 PM.

I LOVE JACKSON

By ENES. Posted June 27 2009 at 10:46 PM.

i can't believe the King Of Pop is actually gone! i love every song he has ever done, especially 'black or white'. he will always be in memory and no celebrity will ever replace him. he was and still is a legend

Rest In Peace Michael
xxxxxxx

By alex hales. Posted June 27 2009 at 10:41 PM.

RIP Michael, you were the greatest performer that ever lived, your music will always remain timeless. My thoughs are with your family and especially your three children.

By Bex. Posted June 27 2009 at 7:42 PM.

i iam so sorry that he diied

By Natalie. Posted June 27 2009 at 4:26 PM.

OMG MICHAEL JACKSON IS DEAD AND NEVER COMMING BACK AND I GREW UP LISTENING TO HIS MUSIC AND AFTA ALL DE TINGS I HAVE SED BOUT HIM I REGRET SORRY MICHAEL JACKSON I GUESS NOW THAT UR DEAD PPL UNDERSTAND THE HARD LIFE YOU WENT THROUGH I THINK YOU DESERVE A ROUND OF APPLAUSE TO YOU U MADE BLACK ENTERTAINMENT COME ON TV. EVERYONE IS GONNA MISS YOU JUST REST IN PEACE MICHAEL JACKSON YOUR NEVER GONNA GET FORGETEN UR ALWAYS GONNA BE IN MY HEART YOU HAVE INSPIRED ME TO BE WHO I WANNA BE I HOPE U SAY HELLO TO GOD AND JESUS FOR ME:P I LOVE YOU MICHAEL JACKSON

By Shawty MC. Posted June 27 2009 at 2:33 PM.

MICHAEL JACKSON DEAD !!!!!!!i stil cant belive!!!!
we love you michael jackson!!!!(L)(L)(L)
he was the best!!!!!!i wont forget him!!!!!

By ashley. Posted June 27 2009 at 12:46 PM.

words on the passing of the Great Michael Jackson.

So farewell then Michael Jackson
King of Pop they said,
however my cousin Eric only liked 'Off the Wall'
and Neil my friend, prefers Lionel Richie.

thank you Michael

By Ian Stockham. Posted June 27 2009 at 12:17 PM.

i am portuguese but i love the michael musics. he's the best. he's the king_of_pop.

By anonimo. Posted June 27 2009 at 1:38 PM.

Your music brings back really fond memories for me, RIP MJ xx

By Sarah M. Posted June 27 2009 at 9:53 AM.

OMG i just cant believe it! Even though u r no more ur music wil always b with us. god bless jacko and his family R.I.P and whoever is out there please pray for him xxxxxxxxx

By mollyberry. Posted June 27 2009 at 9:35 AM.

all your fanns miss you not to worry you are in the hands of god bye bye m.j

By elliott walton. Posted June 27 2009 at 10:34 AM.

When I woke at 6:00am and heard the news I was devastated and thought that it wasn't true. When I got back home from school I found out it was true. I was a great fan of Thriller Michael Jackson. You will always be in my heart and your heart will always will be full of dance and music. Love Dana



By Dana. Posted June 27 2009 at 7:59 AM.

rest in peace Michael Jackson's R.I.P

By arvin. Posted June 27 2009 at 6:11 AM.

R.I.P MICHAEL

By IBRAHIM. Posted June 27 2009 at 5:41 AM.

michael you are not dead in our hearts you are always be the king pop
peace

By nassim khouni. Posted June 27 2009 at 12:54 AM.

noooo

By nayelli. Posted June 27 2009 at 12:45 AM.

so sad,is this real? I still can't believe he has gone!u will be always in my prayes michael ,RIP!

By michael. Posted June 27 2009 at 12:21 AM.

I started wondering why it still hasn't hit me that MJ is dead. I repeat it one time after another and still don't seem to believe it. Then I thought that it's because he isn't really dead. He lives so strongly in everything he has left behind, and there's a lot of it. He will live forever.

I'm sad. He was a great, great artist, I wish he hadn't died. So sad..

By M. Posted June 26 2009 at 11:56 PM.

NO!NO! PLEASE COME BACK MICKAEL
GOD WHI IM ,WHI ?

ALL FANS OF MJ PLEASE TELL GOD TO REALESE HIM

By MJ1º FAN. Posted June 26 2009 at 11:46 PM.

Michael Jackson ''The Best Entertainer Of the 20th Century.So sad to missed his coming shows in london.We love u michael jackson

By zulqarnain Akhtar from London. Posted June 26 2009 at 10:06 PM.

michael u may be gone but not forgoten.u'l always be in our hearts nd minds.U ROCK MY WORLD.u wer a icon and rolemodel.May u REST
IN PEACE

By carol&judiane. Posted June 26 2009 at 10:21 PM.

Jackson! Its obvious we are distance from each other, but we are as close in mind when i sing those peace-making, love inculcating and thrilling song of yours.
Adieu! friend.

By SAMUEL FROM NIGERIA. Posted June 26 2009 at 8:58 PM.

I grew up to your music, you are a major part of my childhood. Hours of rewinding thriller. I have never stopped loving you and your dancing. You will never be forgotten and never stopped being loved. I love you Michael.

Rest in peace.

By emily compton. Posted June 26 2009 at 7:57 PM.

MAY U R.I.P MJ
GONE BUR NEVA FORGOTTEN

By ZARA AND IKRA . Posted June 26 2009 at 7:11 PM.

i am in shoked I can't believe this is happening!!!!!MICHAEL JACKSON IS DAED?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
but is not end of this miracal,for me he is still a live from deep of my hard
MJ i love you for ever and i can t forgotten you.

YASSINE from morocco

By yassine. Posted June 26 2009 at 7:00 PM.

i lost my dreamzzzzzz

By mazin. Posted June 26 2009 at 6:39 PM.

May u r.i.p MJ we already miss u

By Kirstie nd tanya. Posted June 26 2009 at 6:38 PM.

I can't believe this is happening, is it a dream? If it is will someone please wake me!

By Keith Gill. Posted June 26 2009 at 3:26 PM.

Michael Jackson was and is still and 4ever will be The King Of Pop, and the best entertainer of all time.

I love u Michael

By Mario De Jesus. Posted June 26 2009 at 4:13 PM.

I am utterly shocked and horrified by this devestating news.
and to people that dont like him please show some respect at this sad time.
Michael you are a true legend i always been a fan of you thankyou so much for music.
God bless you king of pop
Rest in peace
Love You

By Emma. Posted June 26 2009 at 2:58 PM.

I am stunned!! I have been utterly in tears since i heard about this.
I grew up listening to him over the past 30+ years and i feel like i lost a brother today.
I just loved him and his music...and NOBODY can dance like Michael...He was truely the BEST!
My Prayers are with his Children and Family.
I will Miss the King of Pop Very VERY Much.
Rest in Peace Michael...GOD Bless You.
Forever Your Fan.
Freeman

By Freeman Willoughby. Posted June 26 2009 at 2:57 PM.

OH MY GOD NO !

By POWER. Posted June 26 2009 at 2:56 PM.

Michael, you may have gone, but your music will never die.

By POWER. Posted June 26 2009 at 2:56 PM.

I can't just believe that MJ is gone.one thing is sure,his music will ever remain the heart of those that love him.rest in peace king of POP music.we your fan will miss you forever.

By Uka onuoha. Posted June 26 2009 at 2:55 PM.

Michael, you are the legend, you are everything great men are, you have given the world so much and take so little, you have inspired alot and mocked by many, you are true legend.

May ALLAHS mercy be with you

By h nassor. Posted June 26 2009 at 2:54 PM.

I will miss Michael very much too!!
God bless you King of pop; Rest in peace

By Sky. Posted June 26 2009 at 2:53 PM.

When I was 14 in perth west australia I breached security just to kiss u ur a legend its true it dosent matter whether ur black or white were all brothers and sisters in this world rest in peace michael ur spirit and soul has left an indelible imprint on music history and u will always be the king of pop xxxroxanne

By roxanne holmes. Posted June 26 2009 at 2:53 PM.

I can't stop crying. I have been a HUGE fan since the past 23 years. Michael, you are and will always be my hero. God bless you and grant you the peace that you craved. Rest in peace great one, i will always love you.

By billy. Posted June 26 2009 at 2:52 PM.

its a tragedy to lose a musician like him. He was a genius in his life time where he performed brilliantly in front of his packed fans. How painful it is to see his final years marked by many controversies, But thank god, fans were still behind him no matter what and even now are still support him even though he's gone forever. We LOVE you MJ

By isa. Posted June 26 2009 at 2:13 PM.

Even you are gone for now,you are still the hero.

By Request,from Namibia . Posted June 26 2009 at 12:54 PM.

A true legend..As a girl growing up on London's North Side MJ kept me going. Now as a sucessful professor in the States I still listen to his music when I need stress relief or a "quick trip home" Despite all the problems real or not he was a true musical genuis. He will be missed.

By Lysa. Posted June 26 2009 at 12:18 PM.

I am deeply shocked and horrified at this sad news.
Michael your a gold legend you will be missed by all of us around the world.You are the king of pop and always will be even know your gone you will never be forgotten god bless you.
Rest in peace

By Emma. Posted June 26 2009 at 12:15 PM.

MISSS YOU LOADS NEVER FORGOTTEN


KING OF POP FOREVER !!

By Chloee. Posted June 26 2009 at 12:07 PM.

I light a candle to you Michael
Because:
At times like this
It's sometimes hard
To find the words to say;
My thoughts love and hugs
Are with you now
While the skies seem so gray it’s a wet and rainy day.
Michael magic will live on in our
Hearts and lives forever.
Time will heal the sadness.
Loving memories will remain.
Now theres one more angel in heaven
and one more star in the sky.
Keep the heavens rocking with Michael Magic

By SWALK1955. Posted June 26 2009 at 11:18 AM.

you,re the best forever Jack ,,,

By enver ukshini. Posted June 26 2009 at 11:16 AM.

r.i.p jackson love ya and really sad have a greta time in heaven thinking of u

By nansy. Posted June 26 2009 at 11:01 AM.

MICHAEL WAS THE KING OF POP , HE WAS A HERO,HE WAS SUCH A WONDERFUL PERSON
MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE AND MAY ALLAH BE WITH HIM YOU WILL ALWAYS BE IN OUR THOUGHTS . MICHEAL MAY BE GONE BUT HE WILL STILL EXIST IN OUR EYES
WE LOVE YOU MICHEAL R.I.P GONE BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

By Leyla & fatmaa & CHARLIE <3. Posted June 26 2009 at 10:43 AM.

Love him or Hate him he was a musical genius.. such a sad sad loss to the music industry.. I have been a fan for as long as i can remember and this tour was going to be my first experience of seeing him live...
Im gutted and feel so sorry for hs family and children.. such a loss a massive shame!! R.I.P JACKO xx

By JWx. Posted June 26 2009 at 10:24 AM.

we shall miss the super star so much,am his biggest fun

By matovu benard. Posted June 26 2009 at 10:23 AM.

When i heard the news i couldn't believe it, even now as am sending this comment i'm still shocked.
this is indeed a great loss to me, to the lovers of music and to Africa as a whole cos we got crazy love for him.
Oh! how i wish i could have died in his stead.
but i know, he is resting in the bosom of great men like Abraham Lincoln, Aristotle and Mother Therasa.
I love you Michael, and wish i could see your body before you will finally be laid to rest.

REGINALD LAWRENCE.
FROM NIGERIA.

By LAWRENCE REGINALD. Posted June 26 2009 at 10:22 AM.

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