The Death of Michael Jackson

WARNING: Graphic Content that many may find disturbing! Read at your own risk.

Michael Jackson's star on The Hollywood Walk of Fame surrounded by flowers and candles as a memorial to him.

On June 25, 2009, American singer-songwriter Michael Jackson died after suffering cardiac arrest in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 50. His personal physician, Conrad Murray, said that he found Jackson in his bedroom at his North Carolwood Drive home in the Holmby Hills area of the city not breathing and with a weak pulse; he administered cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to no avail, and security called 9-1-1 at 12:21 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time (UTC–7). Paramedics treated Jackson at the scene, but he was pronounced dead at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center in Westwood at 2:26 p.m. His doctor injected him with a lethal dose of the anesthetic, propofol, and he was rushed to the hospital, where he died later that day. His death was ruled a homicide, and Murray was convicted of his role in Jackson's death and sentenced to four years in prison.

Background

Michael Jackson leaving the Beverly Hills medical clinic (May 20, 2009)

In 2008, Jackson signed deals with AEG Live to start planning out an upcoming comeback concert residency, This Is It.

Through the following months in 2009, Jackson would use help from Murray, especially when gearing up for the tour. For weeks before his passing, he'd suffer from insomnia and reportedly dealt with it for 60 days. This led to his doctor giving him a dose of the anesthetic Propofol, a drug that would supposedly help him sleep between rehearsals. As proven during Murray's eventual trial, even through intoxication, Michael managed to somewhat work and plan out new ideas or projects.

During the rehearsals, his workers would notice changes in how he acted or looked. Jackson's makeup artist, Karen Faye, stated that "he was acting like a person I [Karen Faye] didn’t recognize," and "I’ve [Karen Faye] never seen him so emaciated." Jackson reportedly looked stoic but also frightened. On the advice of Murray, Jackson would miss some rehearsals for This Is It from June 13 until June 19. When back to work, Jackson would show signs of paranoia, anxiety, and obsessive disorder-like behavior.

On June 23, Jackson appeared energetic and enthusiastic, unlike rehearsals prior, which seemed to be the case due to Murray stopping giving the artist Propofol for the two previous nights. On June 24, the ones in attendance at the rehearsals recalled the artist staying in good shape. When the rehearsals ended at around midnight on June 25, he returned home to his rented mansion, where he greeted a small group of fans outside.

Jackson wouldn't sleep throughout the entire night. He complained of fatigue and having to get sleep so he could continue rehearsals, as he didn't want to disappoint fans. Out of concern that the artist was possibly addicted to Propofol, Murray gave him a series of three other sedatives: Valium, lorazepam, and midazolam, as an alternative despite Jackson's constant requests. At 10:00 AM, he repeatedly asked Murray for "milk", referring to Propofol. 40 minutes later, Michael told him, "Just make me sleep, no matter what, I can't function without sleep. I have to cancel concerts."

Timeline

• The room Jackson died in
• Jackson in hospital (June 25, 2009)

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Under pressure from Jackson's requests, at 10:50 AM on June 25, his personal physician gave him a lethal dose of Propofol. Murray subsequently left Jackson unattended, and when he came back, Jackson was still in bed but not breathing. Murray then attempted CPR on Jackson to revive him.

Murray's method of CPR, which he gave to Jackson, was incorrect as it was on a soft surface instead of a hard, flat surface. Murray also didn't immediately call 911. Murray then ran downstairs and called for security. After a member of security called 911, Jackson was rushed to Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center after paramedics attempted CPR on him for 42 minutes at the house. Jackson family members arrived at the hospital, including Jackson's children, mother, La Toya, and Jermaine, as well as Frank DiLeo. Resuscitation efforts on Jackson continued en route to the hospital. After doctors unsuccessfully attempted to resuscitate Jackson at the hospital for more than an hour, he was pronounced dead at 2:26 pm, at the age of 50.

Following his passing, DiLeo told the family, "I’m sorry children, your father has passed away." As hundreds gathered in front of the UCLA hospital, TMZ first reported on the tragedy, with The Los Angeles Times confirming it. Jermaine followed with a press conference, breaking the news to the media.

“	My brother, the legendary king of pop Michael Jackson, passed away on Thursday, June 25, 2009 at 2:26 p.m. It is believed he suffered cardiac arrest in his home. However, the cause of his death is unknown until results of the autopsy are done. His personal physician, who was with him at the time, attempted to resuscitate my brother. As did the paramedics who transmitted him to Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center. Upon arriving at the hospital at approximately 1:14 p.m., a team of doctors including emergency physicians and cardiologists, attempted to resuscitate him for a period of more than one hour and they were unsuccessful. Our family requests that the media please respect our privacy during this tough time. We all loved being with you Michael, always. We love you.	”
–Jermaine Jackson, June 25, 2009

Reaction

Tribute to Michael Jackson (Apollo Theatre, 2011)

The news of Jackson's death shocked the world. It triggered an unprecedented surge of internet traffic. Many websites began to slow down and crash from user overload. Twitter, Wikipedia, AOL Instant Messenger, and even Google all crashed. Many news organizations online and across the World began to devote their coverage entirely to Jackson's death and its subsequent investigation. Many world leaders sent their condolences and issued statements on Jackson. Celebrities and fellow musicians also paid tribute to Jackson, performing his songs and making their own tribute songs. MTV, VH1, and BET all aired marathons of Jackson's music videos and specials on Jackson.

Grief

Fans from all over the world mourned Jackson. Makeshift memorials were created. Fans gathered outside Jackson's Neverland Ranch and Jackson's childhood home in Gary, Indiana, and left flowers, candles, and other tributes. Fans gathered outside the Apollo Theatre in New York and played and danced to Jackson's music. Fans also gathered outside the hospital where Jackson died. 

Music sales

Jackson's music experienced a surge in popularity and sales after his death. He broke three Billboard chart records the week after his death. He also became the first artist to sell over one million digital downloads in one week. He became the best-selling artist of 2009.

Investigation

Autopsies

On June 26, 2009, a three-hour autopsy was performed on the artist's body at the Los Angeles County Coroner's offices in Lincoln Heights. Jackson's family had arranged for a second autopsy afterwards to receive immediate, although not detailed, results. The autopsy revealed that, as of his passing, Jackson was in a healthy state, which is something a lot of his workers and close ones continuously denied. On August 28, 2009, the Los Angeles County coroner classified Jackson's death as homicide, stating the artist had died due to acute propofol intoxication.

The autopsy files were released to the public online by the Los Angeles Times. Pictures of Jackson's body from the June 26 autopsy had been used during Murray's trial and have been available to the public ever since.

Police

The day after Jackson's death, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) began to investigate his death, even though they didn't immediately announce that they suspected foul play in Jackson's death.

By August 28, 2009, the LAPD had announced that the case would be referred to prosecutors who might file criminal charges. Because the LAPD didn't secure Jackson's home and allowed the Jackson family access to it too (before returning to remove certain items), the department raised concerns among some observers that the chain of custody had been broken, but the police maintained that they had followed protocol.

On July 1, 2009, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) joined the LAPD in the investigation. Having the authority to investigate issues otherwise protected by doctor-patient confidentiality, the DEA could legally follow the entirety of what appeared to be the complex trail of prescription drugs supplied to Jackson. California Attorney General Jerry Brown announced that his office was helping the LAPD and DEA to create a statewide database of all medical doctors and prescriptions filled. The LAPD subpoenaed medical records from doctors who had treated Jackson.

On July 9, 2009, William Bratton (who was then the Los Angeles Chief of Police) indicated that investigators were focusing on the possibility of homicide or accidental overdose, but had to wait for the full toxicology reports from the coroner. The Los Angeles Times quoted a senior law enforcement source as saying authorities may not pursue charges even if the coroner declares the case a homicide because Jackson's well-documented drug abuse would make any prosecution difficult.

Nonetheless, the source said prosecutors had not ruled out more serious charges "all the way up to involuntary manslaughter" if it were determined that Michael's death was indeed caused by the propofol drug.

Memorial service

• Michael's family at the memorial service (July 7, 2009)
• Michael's casket
• Michael's tomb

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The memorial service was held on July 7, 2009, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Jackson's family, friends, and fans were all present. The program began with the choir singing Amazing Grace, and near the middle of the song, the Jackson brothers, all wearing a sequined white glove, brought out Michael's solid gold casket, which was worth about $25,000. 

A eulogy was given by Pastor Lucious Smith. Singers such as Mariah Carey, Stevie Wonder, Usher, Jennifer Hudson, Lionel Richie, and Shaheen Jafargholi sang songs from Jackson. Brooke Shields, Berry Gordy, and Smokey Robinson gave eulogies while Queen Latifah read the poem "We Had Him" by Maya Angelou. Reverend Al Sharpton was given a standing ovation once he told Jackson's children, "Wasn't nothing strange about your daddy. It was strange with what your daddy dealt with."

The event is most remembered because of Jackson's daughter, Paris, speaking out for the very first time. Whilst giving a speech about her father, she broke out in tears, saying. "I just wanted to say, ever since I was born, Daddy has been the best father you could ever imagine, and I just wanted to say I love him...so much." including Jackson's brother Marlon saying "Maybe now, they will leave you alone."

Burial

A private funeral and burial were held on September 3, 2009, limited to friends and family only. Jackson's final resting place is located at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California, where he has his own, isolated tomb inside the building. Each year, on the anniversary of Jackson's death, fans visit the cemetery to pay their tributes to him.

Aftermath

After his death, Columbia Pictures released the film Michael Jackson's This Is It, documenting Jackson's rehearsals for the concerts. At the time, the film was the highest-grossing concert film ever, with its domestic gross being $72.1 million. A video game, Michael Jackson: The Experience, was released on November 23, 2010. It allows you to dance interactively to Jackson's iconic dance moves and music. Cirque de Soleil announced their first Michael Jackson-themed show, Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour, on November 2, 2010, and ran from October 2, 2011, to August 31, 2014. The second show, Michael Jackson: ONE, began on May 23, 2013.

Sony and Jackson's estate also released two posthumous albums in the years after Jackson's death. The first, entitled Michael, was released on December 14, 2010. There was much controversy over whether or not Jackson was really singing on the album. The second album, Xscape, was released on May 13, 2014. Two anniversary records were released as well: Bad 25 (2012) and Thriller 40 (2022). In 2025, a major biographical film based on Michael's life is set to be released, starring the artist's nephew, Jaafar.

Jackson's earnings have increased exponentially since his death. His estate earned $825 million in 2016, and in 2017, Forbes ranked him the top-earning deceased celebrity for the fifth year in a row.

Murray's trial

In May 2009, Murray joined Jackson's camp as part of his agreement with AEG Live, the promoter of his London concerts. Murray first met Jackson in Las Vegas when the former treated one of his children. AEG Live said Jackson insisted the company hire Murray to accompany him to England.

During Murray’s trial, it emerged that AEG had employed the doctor and that Jackson didn't sign the contract for the above-cited employment either. Dr. Murray said through his attorney that he did not prescribe or administer pethidine or oxycodone to Michael, but didn't say what (if anything) he did prescribe or administer. Los Angeles police said the doctor spoke to officers immediately after Michael's death. During an extensive interview two days later, they stressed that they found "no red flag" and did not suspect foul play.

On June 26, 2009, the police towed away a car used by Murray, stating that it might contain medication or other evidence. The police released the car five days later. Politician and minister Jesse Jackson (an unrelated friend of the Jackson family) said that the Jackson family was concerned about Murray's role and that they "had good reason to be...[Murray] left the scene".

Over the next few weeks, law enforcement grew increasingly concerned about the doctor. On July 22, 2009, detectives searched Dr. Murray's medical office and storage unit in Houston, removing items such as a computer and two hard drives, contact lists, and a hospital suspension notice.

On July 27, 2009, an anonymous source reported that Dr. Murray had administered propofol within 24 hours of Michael's death. Dr. Murray's lawyers refused to comment on what they called "rumors, innuendo, or unnamed sources." The following day, ABC News program Nightline reported that investigators had searched Dr. Murray's home and office in Las Vegas and that he had become the primary focus of the investigation.

On August 11, 2009, a Las Vegas pharmacy was searched by investigators looking for evidence regarding Murray (according to an anonymous police source cited by The New York Times). Murray's lawyer advised patience until the toxicology results arrived, noting that "things tend to shake out when all the facts are made known".

On February 8, 2010, Murray was charged with involuntary manslaughter by prosecutors in Los Angeles. He pleaded not guilty and was released after posting $75,000 (USD) bail. Shortly after, the California Medical Board issued an order preventing Dr. Murray from administering heavy sedatives.

Murray during People v. Murray (2011)

On January 11, 2011, the judge from Dr. Murray's preliminary hearing determined that he should stand trial for involuntary manslaughter in the Jackson case. The judge also suspended his license to practice medicine in California. The trial was originally to begin on March 24, 2011, but a delayed opening rescheduled it for May 9, 2011.

Finally, the trial was rescheduled to September 8, with no further delays, as reported by CNN. On September 8, 2011, the jury selection of Murray's trial began on September 8, 2011, in Los Angeles. The trial began on September 27, 2011.

On November 7, 2011, Dr. Murray was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter, and he was held without bail to await sentencing. On November 29, 2011, he received the maximum sentence of four years in prison.

On October 28, 2013, Murray was released from prison due to California prison overcrowding and good behavior.

Propofol

Propofol is the active component of an intravenous anesthetic formulation used for the induction and maintenance of general anesthesia. It is chemically termed 2,6-diisopropylphenol. The formulation was approved under the brand name Diprivan. Numerous generic versions have since been released. Intravenous administration is used to induce unconsciousness, after which anesthesia may be maintained using a combination of medications. It is manufactured as part of a sterile injectable emulsion formulation using soybean oil and lecithin, giving it a white milky coloration.

Recovery from propofol-induced anesthesia is generally rapid and associated with less frequent side effects (e.g., drowsiness, nausea, vomiting) compared to other anesthetic agents. Propofol may be used prior to diagnostic procedures requiring anesthesia, in the management of refractory status epilepticus, and for induction or maintenance of anesthesia before and during surgeries. It may be administered as a bolus or an infusion, or some combination of the two.

First synthesized in 1973 by John B. Glen, a British veterinary anesthesiologist working for Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI, later AstraZeneca), propofol was introduced in 1986 for therapeutic use as a lipid emulsion in the United Kingdom and New Zealand. Propofol (Diprivan) received FDA approval in October 1989. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.

This drug was the one that killed Jackson from an overdose due to his doctor administering it to him and giving him a lot of propofol.

Theories

Set up

Jackson's known to have publicly called out businessmen and companies with whom he had conflicts. Infamously, in July 2002, he began protesting against Sony Music, accusing its at the time CEO Tommy Mottola of racism, and calling him a "devil" and a "horrible human being".

Many of Jackson's fans around the world, as well as the family itself, claim that the death of Jackson was set up, either by AEG or "something bigger", using Jackson's paranoia in his last days, and conversations between AEG executives as evidence. According to the theory, Murray would be a fall guy set up by AEG to murder Jackson and cover it up as an accident. In 2011, La Toya would reveal in an interview that before his death, he would tell her, "I'm going to be murdered for my music publishing catalogue and my estate."

“	Michael told me that they were going to murder him. He was afraid. He was afraid for his life. I believe that when Michael walked in that house that night, whatever it was that greeted him, he knew that his end was upon him. And as soon as he had passed, some of the very people he had expressed suspicions about now controlled his estate.	”
–La Toya for CNN, June 2011

Meanwhile, Jackson's bodyguard at the time of his death, Matt Fiddes, stated Jackson intended to wear a bulletproof vest during the shows, as he feared there would be an attempt to assassinate him on stage.

“	Michael said to me, ‘I fear I’m not going to make these concerts, or may get assassinated onstage. Please could you make sure my children are OK.' [...] Michael got it into his head that someone would shoot him so he drank whiskey, virtually a half-bottle, to steady himself. It was his first public appearance for ages and he believed he was going to get murdered because of all the bad press from his past.	”
–Matt Fiddles, "Michael Jackson was convinced he would be assassinated onstage, says former bodyguard", NME, October 3, 2011

In 2013, Prince Jackson testified in the wrongful death lawsuit against AEG Live that Jackson himself would cry after phone calls with the executives, and tell his son, "they're going to kill me, they're going to kill me", specifically referring to Randy Phillips (CEO of AEG Live). This was the last conversation Jackson had with his son. Prince also mentioned that Phillips visited Conrad Murray the night before Jackson's death, and acted aggressively towards the doctor, grabbing his elbow. While this was happening, Jackson was at the rehearsals.

In the same year, Faye revealed in a testimony that before Jackson's death, she overheard AEG Live executives saying he should still rehearse despite his declining health. She added that Jackson would repeatedly ask her, "Why can't I choose?", which Phillips told her to ignore him. After reading a mail from a fan about their experience of meeting Jackson and how he looked like a "skeleton", she wrote to DiLeo, "Please intervene … concerts are not worth jeopardizing his life for." Jackson's manager didn't respond, and Faye learned at Jackson's funeral that even Randy Phillips saw the e-mail as well.

Years later, in 2017, Jackson's own daughter, Paris, would reveal she believes the artist's death was a set-up and insisted that all members of the Jackson family are aware of it.

“	He would drop hints about people being out to get him. And at some point he was like, 'They're gonna kill me one day'. [...] All arrows point to that. It sounds like a total conspiracy theory and it sounds like bullshit, but all real fans and everybody in the family knows it. It was a setup. It was bullshit.	”
–Paris Jackson for Rolling Stone, January 24, 2017

Over the years, other family members spoke out stating similar conclusions, e.g., "Siggy" Jackson in 2019.

BeLIEve

Michael Jackson Alive? Michael out of the ambulance

Debunked video of Jackson "walking out" of the ambulance

Many online users have denied his death, claiming Jackson is still alive and only faked his death to escape those who might've been preying upon him. This community calls themselves "BeLIEvers", and often cites supposed clips of Jackson walking out of an ambulance just fine, questions why his coffin was closed, and where his body was, and theorizes that certain public figures may have been Jackson disguising himself.

Infamously, Jackson's friend and burn victim Dave Dave was speculated to be Jackson, specifically after appearing on Larry King Live on the day of Jackson's funeral, supposedly bearing a resemblance to Jackson in heavy prosthetic makeup. According to the theory, Jackson would hide "clues" on the posthumous Michael album cover, where on his lips a text was hidden, saying "ALIVE". In 2016, Paris also posted a selfie on her Instagram, which features a shadowy figure in her car. Users began asking and theorizing that it might be Jackson hiding in the backseat.

Other theories revolved around the idea that a fictious impersonator named "Barry Shaw" was the one who died, allowing Jackson to escape. Jackson's appearance at the This Is It announcement in March 2009 would be believed to be a fake, as his facial features supposedly wouldn't match.

Supporters of the theory are often criticized by other fans for disrespecting Jackson's death and not letting go, especially considering how much time has passed. Additionally, many of the proofs "BeLIEvers" try to provide are too weak and can be easily debunked, many of which have been.

The Taxation of Jackson's Estate

The estate administrators and the IRS have estimated portions of the estate differently. The estate estimated that the value of Jackson's likeness is only $2,105, whereas the IRS estimated that the likeness is worth $434.26 million.

The estate estimated "no worth in Jackson's interest in a trust that owns some songs of his and the Beatles, but the IRS valued it at $469 million. "Also in dispute is the value of "Jackson's share of the Jackson 5 master recordings rights, stocks and bonds, and various cars Jackson owned."

The IRS proposed "imposing $505 million in taxes plus an additional $197 million in penalties, including a gross valuation misstatement penalty. "On July 26, 2013, the estate filed a U.S. Tax Court petition claiming "the IRS overestimated the value of its assets, including Michael's likeness, real estate, a Bentley, a Lloyds of London insurance policy, his share of MJJ Ventures Inc., and two trusts."

Jackson's estate attorney, Paul Hoffman of Hoffman, Sabban & Watenmaker, told Bloomberg News that "The IRS is wrong." The case title is "Estate of Michael J. Jackson v. IRS, 17152-13, U.S. Tax Court" in Washington, DC.