Singer and performer Michael Jackson died at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center today at 2:26 p.m., according to a university statement. He was 50.
The pop star’s brother Jermaine Jackson told reporters that it is believed that Jackson suffered cardiac arrest in his home, but the exact cause of death cannot be determined until the results of an autopsy by the coroner are returned.
Los Angeles Fire Department Capt. Steve Ruda told the Los Angeles Times that paramedics responded to a call at Jackson’s home earlier this afternoon. Jackson was not breathing when they arrived, and paramedics performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
They then transported Jackson to the UCLA Medical Center, according to his brother’s statement.
Upon arrival at approximately 1:14 p.m., a team of doctors attempted to resuscitate him for more than an hour but was unsuccessful, according to the statement.
When word spread of Jackson’s presence at the UCLA Medical Center, hundreds of people gathered along Westwood Boulevard outside of the hospital to see what was happening.
After the reports were confirmed, university police and the Los Angeles Police Department blocked off many of the campus streets, including Charles E. Young Drive, to restrict public access near the medical center.
In addition, police monitored traffic along Westwood Boulevard.
The atmosphere outside of the medical center was hectic. The crowd chanted “Michael” while waiting for the press conference that would confirm the details of Jackson’s death.
Some of Jackson’s hit songs, such as “Thriller,” could also be heard from passing car stereos and the nearby fraternity houses as fans gathered to pay tribute to the pop star.
Among the gatherers was Sherry Soong, a UCLA alumna, who had originally arrived at the medical center to take her stepdaughter to a medical appointment.
“Our family immigrated here in 1983, and I was born in ’75,” Soong said. “So it’s almost like Michael was part of the American experience. It’s really sad ““ you grow up trying to do the moonwalk and impersonate his other dance moves.”
As news of the event spread, more and more people arrived.
Many members of the press attempted to gain access to the press conference, but most were denied. Officials said that the hospital conference room was not big enough to accommodate the large number of people. University police also announced that the fire marshal would not allow any more press.
Known as the “King of Pop,” Jackson first gained national attention as part of his family’s music group, the Jackson 5. The pop star later embarked on a solo career that included hits such as “Thriller” and “Dangerous.” He became known as an exciting performer with signature dance moves like the moonwalk.