Obama Sends Letter To Jackson Family + Autopsy On Jackson

President Obama Sends Letter To Jackson Family

President Obama is reaching out to the members of Michael Jackson’s family. Senior White House Adviser David Axelrod told NBC’s “Meet The Press” that the president has written a letter to the family instead of issuing a public statement, saying, quote, “he felt that was the appropriate way to go.” Axelrod added that the president believes Michael Jackson “was an important and magnificent performer,” adding, quote, “obviously he led a sad life in many ways as well, but his impact is undeniable.” On Friday, White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said the president sent his condolences to Jackson’s family and fans, adding that Obama saw the singer as a spectacular performer and music icon.

Autopsy On Jackson Completed, Cause Of Death Deferred

The Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office is deferring identification of the cause of pop star Michael Jackson’s death after an autopsy on his body Friday. Operations Chief Investigator Craig Harvey with the Coroner’s Office says that means additional tests have been ordered and it will likely be six to eight weeks before those will be completed.

He said there were some prescription drugs that were being taken by the singer, but he could not comment on the specific medications. Jackson was pronounced dead Thursday afternoon after being rushed to the UCLA Medical Center in cardiac arrest. He was 50 years old. A private second autopsy was performed at the request of Jackson’s family. The “Los Angeles Times” reports the second autopsy was finished Saturday. Results from the private autopsy are expected to be available sooner than the coroner’s toxicology report.