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This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.

KPCC Archive

Autopsy being performed on Michael Jackson's body

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Autopsy being performed on Michael Jackson's body
Autopsy being performed on Michael Jackson's body

An autopsy is being performed today on pop-star Michael Jackson’s body. KPCC’s Steve Julian of reports.

Jackson was preparing for 50 concerts in London, a number based on his age. He was said to be $400 million in debt, and these concerts, which were to begin next month, would help restore some of his financial health. But he collapsed at home and neither paramedics, nor staff at UCLA Medical Center, were able to resuscitate him.

Los Angeles County Coroner’s officials say it could be days, or weeks, before we know how he died. There will be a full examination of his body, including toxicology tests.

Jackson broke his leg and some vertebrae when he fell from a stage a few years ago, and had been in some pain ever since. Two years ago, Jackson settled a lawsuit filed by a pharmacy that claimed he owed $100,000 for prescription drugs.

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