Jackson's death sparks shock among pals

LOS ANGELES, June 25 (UPI) -- Michael Jackson's friends and associates expressed shock and grief over the U.S. pop star's unexpected death Thursday at age 50.

Jackson fell into a coma at his Los Angeles home and could not be revived by paramedics called to the scene. He was pronounced dead at UCLA Medical Center. Police are investigating the circumstances of his death and an autopsy on his body is planned.

"I can't stop crying over the sad news," People.com quoted Jackson's fellow 1980s pop-culture icon Madonna as saying. "I have always admired Michael Jackson. The world has lost one of the greats, but his music will live on forever! My heart goes out to his three children and other members of his family. God bless."

Jackson's ex-wife, singer-songwriter Lisa Marie Presley, told the magazine she is "so very sad and confused with every emotion possible."

"I am heartbroken for his children, who I know were everything to him, and for his family. This is such a massive loss on so many levels; words fail me," Presley said.

Elizabeth Taylor's publicist said the former screen star is "too devastated" to comment on the death of her longtime friend.

"I am absolutely devastated at this tragic and unexpected news," music producer Quincy Jones said. "For Michael to be taken away from us so suddenly at such a young age, I just don't have the words."

"A friend of Michael's for the last 35 years, I call on people around the world to pray for him and his family in (their hour of need,)" the Rev. Al Sharpton said in a statement. "I have known Michael since we were both teens, worked with him, marched for him, hosted him at our House of Justice headquarters in New York, and we joined together to eulogize our mutual idol, James Brown. I have known him at his high moments and his low moments and I know he would want us to pray for his family."

Johnny Caswell, a principal at the Burbank soundstage where Jackson had been rehearsing for his scheduled London concerts, told the Los Angeles Times he was "absolutely shocked" by the performer's death.

"He was working hard. Putting four days a week in here. Six hours a day. Working hard. Dancing," Caswell said. "We're in shock over here."

Usmagazine.com said numerous celebrities posted their condolences on their Twitter pages Thursday, as well.

Demi Moore said she is "greatly saddened for the loss of both Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson. Especially for their children!"

Fawcett died Thursday at 62 following a three-year battle with cancer.

"'Death comes to all. But great achievements build a monument,'" said Star Jones. "He IS and WAS the greatest entertainer of all times... Peace to you, brother."

"I think we'll mourn his loss as well as the loss of ourselves as children listening to 'Thriller' on the record player," John Mayer said. "Dazed in the studio. A major strand of our cultural DNA has left us. RIP MJ."

Former rapper M.C. Hammer said he has "no words" to describe how he feels at this moment.

"I loved Michael Jackson," he added. "RIP."

"My prayers, my love, my heart goes out to Michael Jackson and the entire Jackson family," said Marlon Wayans. "I pray so hard for them. I'm crushed! Please pray."

TMZ said actor Corey Feldman, who was friends with Jackson when he was a child, posted a message on his Web site saying: "I come to you today with great sadness, acknowledging the loss of the greatest entertainer in the history of mankind. For me, he was more than that, he was my idol, he was a role model, he was someone to cry to when my childhood was unbearable, he was a brother, he was a dear friend."