Michael Jackson: the story so far

June 26, 2:58 PMCelebrity Buzz ExaminerLauren Smith

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Michael Joseph Jackson, 1958-2009

As everyone has already heard, music icon Michael Jackson passed away at the age of 50 on Thursday afternoon.  The story is still developing, but according to TMZ (our main source at this time) this is what we know so far:

• A staff member at the singer's Holmby Hills, CA residence called 911 Thursday afternoon after Jackson suffered an apparent cardiac arrest.  Sources say Jackson was already dead when paramedics arrived.
• Jackson was then transported via ambulance to the UCLA Medical center where he was pronounced dead.  Shortly thereafter, Jackson's body was airlifted to the coroner's office where an autopsy began Friday morning.
• There are reports that a Jackson family member says Jackson overdosed on Demorol, a drug similar to morphine, after receiving a shot at 11:30am on Thursday.
• According to the just-released recording of the 911 call, at the time of the call, Jackson was not breathing, unconscious, and not responsive to CPR.  His personal physician--Dr. Conrad Robert Murray-- was the only witness to Jackson's reported collapse.
• According to reports, paramedics wanted to pronounce Jackson dead on the scene, but his personal physician insisted that Jackson be taken to the hospital where he personally continued CPR.
• Sources say Dr. Murray is currently preparing to speak to law enforcement officials regarding Jackson's death and health later today.

The death of Michael Jackson is a true loss.  His 1983 album, Thriller, remains the best-selling album of all time and regardless of his personal, legal, and financial troubles, Jackson will always be remembered as a pioneer and prodigy in the music industry.

Rest in peace, Michael Jackson. You will be greatly missed.

Check out our coverage of the breaking story on VH1 here and for more of Examiner's coverage on this developing story, click here.