[Student Reporters] Michael Jackson Dies an Untimely Death

Min-Woo Park / Palos Verdes Peninsula High School·Grade 9

Even historic social and political upheaval in Iran cannot overshadow the surprising death of Michael Jackson, the internationally renowned King of Pop. The 50-year-old pop icon died from cardiac arrest on Thursday, June 25.

Arriving at the scene of stardom with the youthful boy band Jackon 5 at the tender age of 6, Michael and his career quickly gained ground until he was a solo act of unpredictable wit and creativity. However, the public‘s perspective of Michael changed dramatically after so many plastic surgeries transformed his facial features and made him unrecognizable.

Further accusations of child molestation did not help improve his image, and Michael finally faded from public scrutiny until this year with the announcement of his last series of performances taking place in London. 75,000 tickets sold out within the first four hours, a testimony to Michael's infinite hold over his innumerable fans. His death is a major disappointment not only to those who looked forward to the concerts but also to those who now question the cause of his demise, some claiming that a drug over dose killed Michael.

"When you have enough drugs in your system, your heart goes into an arrhythmia and your respiration stops," said Dr. Deepak Chopra, a doctor who knew Michael for over 20 years. "I think the drugs killed him."

If drugs were really the cause of his death, Michael would share an uncanny relationship with the King of Rock and Roll." Thirty years earlier, Elvis Presley died in his bathroom from using too many prescription drugs.

President Barack Obama said Michael Jackson was a "spectacular performe" and acknowledged that elements of his life were both "tragic" and "sad."

Although his life was embroiled with conflict and emotional turmoil, Michael Jackson‘s unique and undeniably revolutionary performances have spurred his many fans to partake in open mourning for the creator of pop.