Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.
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 Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.
Autopsy being performed on Michael Jackson's body
Listen
1:06
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.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
