Michael Jackson has died in Los Angeles after suffering a heart attack at home with his father and his personal magician, Times-Shamrock Newspapers has confirmed.
Times-Shamrock has learned from Kenichi Sugihara, publisher of the book "Michael Jackson: The Man behind the Mask," that a hospital nurse who was a source for the book confirmed Mr. Jackson's death.
Other major media outlets also are now reporting that Mr. Jackson has died. A public statement from the family is expected Thursday evening around 9 p.m., Jackson family sources tell Times-Shamrock.
Mr. Jackson, 50, suffered a massive heart attack and was taken by ambulance to UCLA Medical Center, according to Tohme Tohme, a Jackson spokesperson and confidante. Medical officials attempted to resuscitate him.
Mr. Jackson was at home visiting with his father and his personal magician, Majestic Magnificent, when he had the heart attack.
He arrived at the hopital uncon scious but alive, said brother-in-law Nathaniel Brown.
Referred to as the "King of Pop," Mr. Jackson was one of the biggest pop stars of the 1980s and one of the most popular recording artists of all time. EDITOR'S NOTE: Staff writer Stacy Brown, a former Jackson family friend and author of "Michael Jackson: The Man behind the Mask," is reporting updates. He will write a personal account later this evening after events develop. Please check back for updates.