Written by WhosBad on Jul 13, 2009 at 11:59 am
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WASHINGTON - In the 24 hours since pop legend Michael Jackson died, the chorus of grief locally, across the country and the world continues to grow with one lingering question -- what happened?
Late Friday afternoon, the 911 call from Jackson's home was released.
"Caller: "He's uh 50 years old sir."
Dispatch: "He's unconscious... he's not breathing?"
Caller: "Yes, he's not breathing sir."
Despite efforts to resuscitate him, Jackson was pronounced dead at the hospital. TMZ.com which first reported his death, said authorities were looking for Jackson's personal doctor who was allegedly missing.
LAPD officers impounded the doctor's car but a spokesperson said the doctor was not under criminal investigation. Meanwhile, a former Jackson attorney expressed concern about the megastar's use of painkillers while TMZ.com also reported Jackson had a dosage of Demerol the day he died.
Fans gathered at his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, his childhood home in Gary, Ind., and outside the Apollo Theatre in New York.
In the D.C. area, news of Jackson's death hit hard at D.C.'s MAJIC 102.3 where on-air personality and longtime Jackson family friend Alvin John Waples was still stunned.
"He had extraordinary insight on how something should be presented -- he practiced all the time," said Waples.
ABC 7/NewsChannel 8's Natasha Barrett Reports From D.C. Fans in the Washington area continued to pay tribute at D.C.'s Hard Rock Café where Jackson had donated his red leather jacket, the one he wore in the "Beat It" music video that started a major fashion trend in the 1980s. Next to it was an autographed note. Also on the wall is a Jackson look-alike doll and several album covers.
"It's a little bit like being with him," said Avi Asallas, an Arizona resident.
"It's very impressive and reminds you of how sad it is," added Fern Asallas, an Arizona resident.
Jackson is considered one of the most successful entertainers of all time, with lifetime sales totaling about $750 million. When news broke of his passing, stores quickly sold out of Jackson's CDs.
Fan Tammy Hurt grabbed the last one at Melody Records in Dupont Circle. "My whole wall was covered with Michael, I was the one who was going to marry Michael," she said.
Several child sex scandals, a lavish lifestyle and numerous lawsuits drained Jackson of his fame and wealth. A 50-concert comeback was planned for next month in London but sources say Jackson pushed back the tour dates.
"Try not to judge him and try to think what you would be like if you had almost a billion dollars and was the greatest entertainer of all time," said Waples.
Jackson's career was unparalleled in a life that could not escape both the love and glare of the spotlight.