Pocono News Section

Michael Jackson - King of Pop - Dies at Age 50

Michael Jackson - King of Pop - Dies at Age 50 - Thursday, June 25, 2009 at 10:00PM EST

Reported by: Eyewitness News
Thursday, Jun 25, 2009 @ 10:00pm EST

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA- Michael Jackson collapsed at his home in Los Angeles Thursday afternoon. When paramedics arrived he was reportedly not breathing and was rushed to UCLA Medical Center . He was pronounced dead at the hospital after arriving in a deep coma. Mark Lester, Godfather to Jackson 's children, said, "He was in such good form, good spirits, I'm absolutely devastated.”

Outside of the hospital large crowds gathered after hearing the news of Jackson 's death.

Michael Jackson's career started in the 1960s as member of the Jackson Five. He earned the unofficial title King of Pop after rising to superstardom in the 1980s.

Civil rights leader Reverend Al Sharpton said, "Michael Jackson was a trailblazer, to say an icon would only give these young people in Harlem a fraction of what he was. He was a trailblazer."

At one stage of his career he was without question the biggest entertainer in the music business. But his star faded in the early 90s after he was accused of improper relations with minors. After a lengthy trial in 2005 he was acquitted of all charges.

At the time of his death Jackson was preparing to resurrect his career getting ready for a major concert tour.