MORE details have emerged as to the death of singer, songwriter and music icon Michael Jackson.

The 50-year-old singer was pronounced dead after being taken to hospital in Los Angeles in a deep coma, city and law enforcement officials said.

Paramedics called to his home in LA found Jackson was not breathing. He was given CPR as the ambulance raced to hospital, a fire department captain told reporters.

Jackson was pronounced dead at about 2226 British time after arriving at UCLA Medical Centre in Los Angeles in full cardiac arrest.

Fred Corral, of the Los Angeles County Coroner’s office, said the cause of death was not known and a post-mortem was likely to take place later today.

People are gathering outside the hospital to pay their respects.

People descended on the legendary Apollo Theatre in New York and flowers were being placed on Jackson’s star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles.

Known as the King of Pop for hit albums that included songs like Thriller and Billie Jean, Jackson’s dramatic 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 preference 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 being cleared in 2005 of charges of child molestation, had been scheduled to launch a comeback tour at London’s O2 Arena next month.

The concerts were due to start on July 13 and Jackson had been rehearsing in LA for the shows, which sold out within hours of going on sale in March.

Celebrities and stars around the globe were overwhelmed by sorrow and shock Thursday as they sought to absorb the news

Music producer Quincy Jones said: “I am absolutely devastated at this tragic and unexpected news.”

He said Jackson “had it all – talent, grace, professionalism and dedication.

“I’ve lost my little brother today, and part of my soul has gone with him.”

The Rev Al Sharpton told reporters Jackson was a “trailblazer” and a “historic figure”.

“Michael Jackson made culture accept a person of colour way before Tiger Woods, way before Oprah Winfrey, way before Barack Obama.

“Michael did with music what they did in sports, in politics, and in television. No controversy will erase the historic impact.”

Former PR representative and friend of Jackson, Jonathan Morrish, said: “I worked with him for over 25 years. It was a complete privilege and I just can’t believe what has happened.

“I last saw him when he was last in London, which was for the World Music Awards, and he was his usual, lovely gentlemanly self.

“He was fine, health-wise. You don’t get to the top of the tree like he did without being incredibly strong – mentally and physically. He survived over many generations of music lovers, which is why I think the world of music is in such a deep state of shock.”

Sky’s entertainment correspondent, Steve Hargrave said: “We can’t underestimate the effect this will have on Michael Jackson fans who have loved his music and career.

“They would have been assuming that in about three weeks time their idol would have been back on the stage performing his greatest hits. To suddenly find out this news will be devastating.”

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