The death of 50-year-old pop singer Michael Jackson has been confirmed by the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office.
According to reports, Jackson was rushed to hospital yesterday afternoon (US time) after being found in an unconscious state at his home.
The singer's brother Jermaine Jackson told reporters that Michael's personal physician initially tried to resuscitate him at home before paramedics were called to the scene.
Jackson was then rushed to a Los Angeles hospital, where doctors tried to revive him for an hour, before pronouncing him dead at 2.26pm.
Fred Corral of the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office indicated that the singer arrived at the hospital in full cardiac arrest.
The cause of Jackson's death has not yet been confirmed but an autopsy is expected to be carried out later today.
Known around the world as the 'King of Pop', Jackson's lifetime record sales are believed to be in the region of 750 million.
The singer, who earned 13 Grammy Awards, will be remembered for many hit songs, including 'Thriller', 'Billie Jean', 'Don't Stop 'Till You Get Enough', 'Smooth Criminal', 'Bad' and 'She's Out of My Life'.
The performer was also renowned for his innovative dance moves, including the moonwalk, and one-gloved stage presence.
In recent years the singer led a reclusive life, after being acquitted of child molestation charges in 2005.
He had this year announced plans to return to the stage with a tour in London.
Jackson, who was born in Gary, Indiana in 1958, was one of nine children.
He shot to fame with fellow family members as part of The Jackson Five and went on to release his first solo album in 1972.
Jackson married Elvis Presley's daughter Lisa Marie in 1994 but the couple divorced in 1996.
Later that year the singer married Debbie Rowe, with whom he had two children, before they split in 1999.
The singer is survived by his three children, named Prince Michael I, Paris Michael and Prince Michael II.
Click here to view his Life In Pictures.
Read our Michael Jackson 'Thank You for the Music' blog here.
