UPDATE: Autopsy has been performed, preliminary cause of death MAY be known by Friday afternoon - toxicology results will take weeks...

STAY TUNED.



THE KING OF POP DIES AT 50

MICHAEL JACKSON -- the self-professed "King of Pop" and the artist named "The Most Successful Entertainer of All Time" by the Guinness Book of World Records -- has died at the age of 50.

Reports are that Jackson suffered cardiac arrest at his home in the Holmby Hills section of Los Angeles yesterday afternoon. Someone in Jackson's household called 911 at around 12:26 PT, and responding paramedics reportedly found him with no pulse or respiration. Attempts to revive Jackson in the ambulance en route to UCLA Medical Center were unsuccessful, as were subsequent attempts at the hospital. The Los Angeles County Coroner's Office confirms that Jackson was declared dead at 2:26 PM PT.

Reports that Jackson was alive but comatose upon arriving at UCLA Medical Center were apparently inaccurate.Speaking at UCLA Medical Center yesterday, Michael's brother JERMAINE said, quote, "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."

An autopsy is scheduled for today.