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Michael Jackson, 50, dies
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| Michael Jackson rehearses in a Burbank studio. He hired Kenny Ortega, right, (of "High School Musicals" 1-3), and others to choreograph the show. (John Shearer) |
Singer rehearsing for upcoming tour in Burbank
By Christopher Cadelago
Michael Jackson, who had been rehearsing in a nondescript building near Bob Hope Airport in preparation for an upcoming sold-out 50-show tour, was pronounced dead Thursday afternoon.
The singer arrived at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center in a deep coma, city and law enforcement sources told the Los Angeles Times.
Paramedics were called to a home in the 100 block of Carolwood Drive off Sunset Boulevard and rushed Jackson to Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center.
News of his death comes as Jackson, 50, was attempting a comeback after receiving the backing of two billionaires.
While details of the rehearsals were closely guarded, reports of limousines packed with dancers began to surface last month, as did tales of his six-hour sessions at Centerstaging, the Burbank soundstage where Jackson rehearsed for his London concerts.
There, soundstage principal Johnny Caswell watched many of the run-throughs and said he was "absolutely shocked" by the performer¹s death.
Jackson was "very frail" but tackled the rehearsals with limitless energy, Caswell told the Times Thursday afternoon.
He was working hard. Putting four days a week in here. Six hours a day. Working hard. Dancing," he said. "We¹re in shock over here."
The pop star moved from the Burbank facility to the Forum beginning in June, Caswell said.
A receptionist at Centerstaging said Thursday evening that the company's executives had all left for the day.
Visit www.latimes.com for continuing updates on the story.
The singer arrived at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center in a deep coma, city and law enforcement sources told the Los Angeles Times.
Paramedics were called to a home in the 100 block of Carolwood Drive off Sunset Boulevard and rushed Jackson to Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center.
News of his death comes as Jackson, 50, was attempting a comeback after receiving the backing of two billionaires.
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There, soundstage principal Johnny Caswell watched many of the run-throughs and said he was "absolutely shocked" by the performer¹s death.
Jackson was "very frail" but tackled the rehearsals with limitless energy, Caswell told the Times Thursday afternoon.
He was working hard. Putting four days a week in here. Six hours a day. Working hard. Dancing," he said. "We¹re in shock over here."
The pop star moved from the Burbank facility to the Forum beginning in June, Caswell said.
A receptionist at Centerstaging said Thursday evening that the company's executives had all left for the day.
Visit www.latimes.com for continuing updates on the story.
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