The iconic entertainer and music legend, famously known as the “King of Pop,” tragically passed away in his Los Angeles home on Thursday, June 25, 2009. The news of Michael Jackson’s demise reverberated worldwide, leaving many in a state of incredulity.
He died at age 50 from cardiac arrest.
The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner confirmed that the musician’s passing resulted from a mix of drugs in his system, administered by his personal physician.
Jackson had been a sensation since his childhood, captivating audiences with his family as a member of the iconic Jackson 5. In 1972, he unveiled his inaugural solo album.
In 1978, he shared the screen with Diana Ross in the film The Wiz.
The subsequent year, he introduced his iconic moonwalk dance, captivating the audience during the live Motown anniversary television special.
Yet, as his popularity increased, so too did the challenges in his personal affairs. He was charged with the molestation of teenage boys, but was found not guilty on all counts.
In 1984, he experienced burns during the filming of a Pepsi commercial, leading to subsequent speculation regarding his potential struggles with painkiller addiction and plastic surgery.
By June 2009, Jackson was putting in much effort to shape his career and launch multiple concerts across the globe.
Dr. Conrad Murray, Jackson’s personal doctor who was addressing his sleeplessness, purportedly delivered the anesthetic agent Propofol to him.
A post-mortem examination showed the presence of several sedatives in his bloodstream, in addition to three additional substances.
Murray faced trial and was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter.
