Autopsy Scheduled on Michael Jackson - Did He Overdose?

An autopsy on the body of pop star Michael Jackson is planned for today, though results are not likely to be final until toxicology tests are completed.

The process could take several days and sometimes weeks. However, Los Angeles County Coroner Investigator Jerry McKibben says if a cause can be determined by the autopsy, they will announce the results.

According to the website, www.TMZ.com, members of Michael Jackson's family said the singer was given a "heavy dose of morphine" prior to his death, and family members were alarmed.

TMZ was well ahead of other media source in reporting Jackson's death Thursday. Today they report that Joe Jackson recently wanted to put Michael in a rehab facility in Palmdale, California for what he considered an "addiction" to morphine and prescription drugs.

Family members say they felt he was unable to perform for his upcoming concerts because of his drug use.

There are reports Jackson OD'd yesterday on Demerol, a drug similar to morphine. Interestingly, Jackson wrote a song called "Morphine" in 1997. One of the lyrics -- "Demerol. Demerol. Oh God he's taking Demerol."

TMZ is also reporting that law enforcement officers are looking for a doctor who lived at Michael Jackson's home. They say a BMW belonging to the doctor was towed from Jackson's home last night, but they have been unable to locate the doctor for questioning.

Jackson died yesterday at UCLA Medical Center after being stricken at his rented Los Angeles home. Paramedics tried to resuscitate him for nearly three-quarters of an hour, then rushed him to the hospital, where doctors continued to work on him.

His brother Jermaine says "It is believed he suffered cardiac arrest in his home." However, he says "the cause of his death is unknown until results of the autopsy are known."

Jackson, who was 50, was preparing for what would have been a series of 50 concerts starting July 13 in London.

Meanwhile celebrities and fans are mourning Jackson's death.

Musician Quincy Jones, who produced Michael Jackson's "Thriller" says the pop star "was the consummate entertainer" and he says "his contributions and legacy will be felt upon the world forever."

Across the country, people have reacted in stunned disbelief. At Times Square in New York, a collective groan went up from the crowd as word of his death flashed across a giant TV screen.

One man says he cried when he heard the news. He says he thought Jackson was "immortal."

Among Jackson's fellow performers, Wyclef Jean calls Jackson his "musical god," while Celine Dion says Jackson was her "idol."

Dick Clark knew Jackson from his childhood when he started in the Jackson 5. Clark says of all the entertainers he's worked with, Jackson was "the most outstanding."