King of Pop Michael Jackson is dead

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Michael Jackson, the child star turned King of Pop who set the world dancing but whose musical genius was overshadowed by a weird lifestyle and sex scandals, died on Thursday, the Los Angeles. He was 50.

Pop star Michael Jackson was pronounced dead by doctors this afternoon after arriving at a hospital in a deep coma. Jackson had been taken ill at his home and found not breathing by paramedics who rushed him to a hospital.

The singer suffered a cardiac arrest. Jackson’s family, or spokespeople did not immediately confirm the news of his death for them.

Known as the "King of Pop," for hits that included "Thriller" and "Billie Jean," Jackson's dramatic, one-gloved stage presence and innovative dance moves were imitated by legions of fans around the world.

But Jackson's belief that "I am Peter Pan in my heart", his first choice for the company of children, his friendship with a chimp, his high-pitched voice and numerous plastic surgeries also earned him critics and the nickname "Wacko Jacko."

Jackson, who had lived as a virtual recluse since his acquittal in 2005 on charges of child molestation, had been scheduled to launch a comeback tour from London next month.