Michael Jackson Dead: R.I.P. King of Pop

Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, passed away today in Los Angeles. He was 50 years old. He leaves behind three children, a legacy of pop music classics, as well as a level of fame and controversy reserved for very few.

As reported by the AP, Jackson died this afternoon in a Los Angeles hospital. Reuters reports that he suffered a cardiac arrest. The exact cause of death has not yet been reported.

A star since his childhood, Jackson's later years were marred by molestation accusations, his heavily covered trial in Santa Maria, California, and repeatedly delayed attempts at a come-back.

His classic album Thriller remains the highest selling album worldwide of all time, with more than 100 million copies sold.

• FACTBOX: Key facts about Michael Jackson (Reuters)
• Thriller Video (Spike.com)
• Jackson Five (Motown.com)
• FindLaw Coverage of the Michael Jackson Cases