Michael Jackson died in Los Angeles on 25 June 2009, aged 50, after being given a powerful hospital-grade anaesthetic at home by his personal doctor, Conrad Murray, according to findings later presented in court and by the Los Angeles County coroner, which ruled the singer's death a homicide.
The news came after Jackson had been deep into preparations for his This Is It comeback concerts in London, a 50-date run that was meant to restore his career and reputation. The singer's life in the years leading up to 2009 had been dominated by financial strain, health complaints and continuing scrutiny over his private conduct. By the time he moved into a rented mansion in Holmby Hills, an upscale Los Angeles neighbourhood, he was rehearsing most nights and, by several accounts, sleeping very little.
