Andrew's Blog (formerly Paris / London / Bordeaux / Sheffield): Michael Jackson dies

I'm in shock. I'm speechless. I'm utterly distraught.

The LA Times has reported that Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, has died in hospital in California after suffering a cardiac arrest at the house he was occupying in preparation of his upcoming massive 50-date tour in London.

On it's website it reads: "Updated at 3:15 p.m.: Pop star Michael Jackson was pronounced dead by doctors this afternoon after arriving at a hospital in a deep coma, city and law enforcement sources told The Times".

Earlier in the day, paramedics had been called to a home in the 100 block of Carolwood Drive off Sunset Boulevard where the King of Pop had rented the Bel-Air home for $100,000 a month. It has been described as a French chateau estate built in 2002 with seven bedrooms, 13 bathrooms, 12 fireplaces and a theater. The chateau is located only a short distance from the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center where he later died.

This news is absolutely devastating. I loved Michael Jackson as a child and I still love Michael Jackson now. His music always created happiness and has transcended generations. I am sure it will continue in the same vein for many many years to come and so it is deeply upsetting that the man himself is no longer with us. He meant so much to so many people; Jessica Yellin of CNN has even described him as the "Princess Diana of America".

RIP Michael Jackson. 50 years young. I will moonwalk in memory of you.