Stars Honor Jackson During BET Awards Show

From: The Chosun Ilbo | Jun. 30, 2009

Pop stars and musicians honored American pop icon Michael Jackson at the annual Black Entertainment Television (BET) Awards show in Los Angeles. Attendees at the event said they remain shocked by the singer's unexpected death.

In a statement read by a family representative during the late show Sunday, Jackson's parents said they have sole custody of the pop star's three children. Jackson's family ordered a private, second autopsy to figure out what caused his sudden death last Thursday at his Los Angeles home. No results have been released.

The Los Angeles County coroner's office conducted an autopsy Friday and said there were no indications of external trauma or foul play, but said it may take weeks to examine all the tests and determine the cause of death.

A lawyer for Jackson's doctor, Conrad Murray, says his client found the singer unconscious and immediately began efforts to revive him. He denied reports that Dr. Murray gave Jackson painkillers, which media reports say might have been behind his death.

Jackson died two months before his 51st birthday as he was preparing to launch a series of comeback concerts in London next month.

U.S. President Barack Obama sent a message Sunday to Jackson's grieving family, offering his condolences. Top White House advisor David Axelrod said Sunday on NBC's Meet The Press the president saw Jackson as a spectacular performer, but one who led a sad life.

Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.