Swedish girls lay flowers and light candles in memory of late US pop music star Michael Jackson at Sergel square in central Stockholm on June 26, 2009. 50-year old Jackson, the "King of Pop" died Thursday at UCLA Medical Center, USA, after being stricken at his rented home in Holmby Hills, LA, as he prepared for a comeback tour to vanquish nightmare years of scandal and financial calamity. (AP Photo/Christine Olsson) ** SWEDEN OUT ** CHRISTINE OLSSON /
Published June 26, 2009 03:22 pm - Authorities are seeking to clear up the mystery surrounding Michael Jackson's death, including whether prescription drugs could have been a factor.
Autopsy planned after Jackson's sudden death
By LYNN ELBER Associated Press
LOS ANGELES — Authorities are seeking to clear up the mystery surrounding Michael Jackson's death, including whether prescription drugs could have been a factor.
An autopsy was to begin Friday, though results weren't likely to be final until toxicology tests could be completed, a process that could take weeks. However, if a cause can be determined by the autopsy, they will announce the results, said Los Angeles County Coroner Investigator Jerry McKibben.
In a press conference Friday, Lt. Ed Winter, assistant chief coroner, said the likelihood was slim that the coroner's office would have anything to release today and said results could take 6-8 weeks.
"We're conducting it as we do any other exam," said Winter.
Police said they were investigating, standard procedure in high-profile cases.
Brian Oxman, a former attorney of Jackson's and a family friend, said he was concerned about Jackson's use of painkillers and he warned the singer's family about possible abuse.
"I said one day, we're going to have this experience. And when Anna Nicole Smith passed away, I said we cannot have this kind of thing with Michael Jackson," Oxman said Friday on NBC's "Today" show. "The result was, I warned everyone, and lo and behold, here we are. I don't know what caused his death. But I feared this day, and here we are."
The 50-year-old musical superstar died Thursday, just as he was preparing for a series of 50 concerts starting July 13 at London's 02 arena.
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