King of Pop Jackson dies
The 50-year-old singer collapsed at his home in Beverly Hills in Los Angeles on Thursday. He was taken to hospital at the UCLA Ronald Reagan medical Centre but was pronounced dead two hours later.
It is believed Jackson, whose 1982 album Thriller is the biggest selling of all time with 65 million copies sold, died of heart failure.
The news comes just weeks before the superstar was expected to relaunch his music career with shows at the O2 arena in London. One million tickets were sold for the shows within hours of going
One of Jackson's closest friends is child actor turned osteopath, Mark Lester, who works and lives in Gloucestershire.
He is godfather to Jackson's three children, Prince Michael, 12, daughter Paris Michael, 11, and Prince Michael II, seven, sometimes known as Blanket.
"It's just a shock and a tragedy. My family is totally devastated. Our hearts go out to his children," he said.
"There was no indication whatsoever that he had a heart problem, I'm utterly shocked by the news. I was very much looking forward to seeing Michael when he came to the UK for concerts later this year.
"He was feeling very upbeat and was looking forward to coming to London. He was sounding the best in himself for many, many years."
Cheltenham-based Lester, who shot to fame as a child star in Oliver!, praised Jackson's children and said he would help in anyway he could.
"They're the most fabulous kids and I will do anything... I'm here for them 24/7, so whatever they need, they've got from me. Michael was one of the best. He made me ashamed, he was such a good father," he said.
Meanwhile fans across the world were mourning the loss of the star famous for hits such as Billie Jean and Bad and tributes poured in from celebrity friends.
Madonna said in a statement: "I can't stop crying over the sad news.
"I've always admired Michael Jackson – the world has lost one of its greats but his music will live on forever."
His albums were in high demand in Gloucester as fans bought up momentos following the sad news.
The remaining six CDs by the late artist flew off the shelves of independent music store Pulp, in King's Square, within 45 minutes of opening.
Owner Mark Blackwell said he was inundated with requests from fans.
He said: "During the lunch hour I had about 12 people come in asking if I had anything left. I did expect people to come in but I didn't expect to sell them all so quickly. I just wish I had some more."
Mr Blackwell's daughter Emily bought three CDs and one Michael Jackson DVD.
The 17-year-old, from Tredworth, said: "I have always been a big fan of his. I cried when I heard he had died. I was absolutely gutted. I have gone around all the music shops looking for CDs that I didn't already have. I listen to him a lot but now that he has gone I will probably listen to him more."
HEART FAILURE: Michael Jackson.
