Michael Jackson, dead at 50 of cardiac arrest

MSNBC is reporting that Michael Jackson was rushed to UCLA Medical Centre this afternoon with a possible cardiac arrest and has confirmed that he has died in hospital.

Los Angeles Fire Department Capt. Steve Ruda told the newspaper that Jackson was not breathing when paramedics arrived at his home and CPR was performed.

Update Friday June 26/09: The Sudden Cardiac Arrest Association said Thursday that pop singer Michael Jackson’s death at the age of 50 underscores the tragedy of sudden cardiac arrest, which kills nearly 300,000 Americans each year and is the nation’s leading cause of death.

“Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is the result of an electrical disruption of the heart and is different than a heart attack. It can strike seemingly healthy individuals without warning, including those with no known history of heart disease. SCA kills an American once every two minutes and can happen virtually anytime and anywhere. Nearly 80 percent of all sudden cardiac arrests occur in the home, like in Mr. Jackson’s case.

Even though Mr. Jackson’s collapse was apparently witnessed, emergency medical services responded promptly and Mr. Jackson’s home was near UCLA Medical Center, it was still not sufficient to revive Mr. Jackson because SCA victims usually need immediate CPR and the shock of an automated external defibrillator (AED) if they are to have any chance of survival. Today’s news should be a reminder that CPR is a basic life-saving skill that everyone should know, and that AEDs should be widely deployed to enhance the chance of survival.”

Comments by the GGS girls:

GoGo Girl: I was so saddened by the news of Michael Jackson dead at the age of 50. It gave me chills and a tear came to my eye.   I really wanted him to come back and show the world once again that he is the true ‘King of Pop’.  Here is a small tribute to Mr. Michael Jackson.  So shocking….RIP!

Crazy Legs: I haven’t been a fan since the 80′s, but I have to say on a personal level that the news is very shocking.  His world was shrouded in such secrecy over the last decade.  I’m sure the rumors are going to start going crazy again – not the comeback he’d imagined, I guess.  My heart goes out to his family and close friends.

Pink Panther: I was totally shocked when I heard the news about Micheal Jackson.  I still can’t believe that he is gone, especially at his age. And with him being so overly cautious about his health! I feel so sorry for his kids, family and fans!

What is your favorite song from Micheal Jackson?  Billy Jean? Thriller?