- By Sukanya Saha
- Sun, 25 Jun 2023 03:33 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Michael Jackson Death Anniversary Special: Fourteen years ago, rumours began circulating in the afternoon about mysterious activities taking place at Michael Jackson's residence in Holmby Hills.
The singer, who had faced persistent allegations of abuse and health problems over the years, had recently returned to the public spotlight with a comeback tour.
In the following hours, it was revealed to the world that Jackson had passed away. Over the next year, the hidden aspects of the King of Pop's life was exposed. His death was officially ruled as a homicide by authorities, and his physician was charged with administering the potent drugs that ultimately caused his demise. Conrad Murray was later found guilty in court.
A legal dispute concerning his estate and finances ensued, and more recently, fresh accusations of his involvement in child sexual abuse arose.
On the pop icon's 14th death anniversary, here’s a look back at the events that unfolded before and after his death, as documented in a report by the Los Angeles Times.
June 24, 2009:
Jackson was fully immersed in intense rehearsals for his highly anticipated comeback tour. The stakes were high, and the singer had expressed frustrations about his inability to get proper rest.
The rehearsal concluded late on Wednesday night with a rendition of 'Earth Song.' Jackson hugged his dancers, thanked the crew, and bid them a good night, before extending his blessings to all.
Upon returning to Carolwood Drive, Jackson made a brief stop at the metal gate, where he exchanged greetings with a small gathering of fans who had gathered outside his residence.
(Image credit: Reuters)
Upon entering the driveway, the bodyguard saw Murray's car parked outside the residence, similar to previous nights. Jackson's security team accompanied him inside the house. Access to the upper floor was restricted to Murray and Jackson's children only. Soon after the pop star arrived home, he started complaining of fatigue and that he needed sleep.
June 25, 2009:
Throughout the night and into the morning, Jackson was administered a sequence of medications intended to aid his sleep, as stated by officials afterward. It was reported that Murray, in particular, administered these potent drugs to Jackson. Subsequently, Jackson was discovered in an unresponsive state.
After Jackson was found in a state of cardiac arrest and not breathing, Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics rushed him to a hospital. Despite their efforts to resuscitate him, their attempts proved unsuccessful.
June 26, 2009:
After conducting an autopsy on Jackson's body, the Los Angeles County coroner's office refrained from immediately determining the cause of death, awaiting further tests. Subsequently, an investigation was initiated to examine the possibility of the pop icon's overdose on prescription drugs.
(Image credit: Reuters)
July 7, 2009:
A star-studded memorial was held at Staples Center in Los Angeles to bid farewell to the King of Pop as he was laid to rest.
August 24, 2009:
The coroner revealed that a lethal combination of propofol and sedatives had been detected in the pop star's system.
August 28, 2009:
Jackson's death was ruled a homicide.
February 8, 2011:
Los Angeles County prosecutors officially pressed charges of involuntary manslaughter against Murray, who served as Jackson's personal physician.
Witnesses for the prosecution testified that Murray concealed Michael Jackson's health condition both prior to and following his death, providing false information to concert promoters and those close to the pop star.
(Image credit: Twitter)
November 29, 2011:
A four-year county jail sentence delivered to Murray for his involvement in Michael Jackson's death. The court strongly condemned Murray's covert phone recording, capturing a heavily drugged and incoherent Jackson, which was played during the trial. The recording was deemed as an attempt to blackmail Jackson.
October 27, 2013:
Murray was released from prison.