Tragic icon. Jackson
צילום: AP
Obama: Jackson a music icon who led tragic life
US president extends personal condolences to deceased singer's family; Los Angeles Coroner's Office says exact cause of death still unclear, may take weeks to ascertain
US President Barack Obama, an avid music fan, extended condolences to family members and friends mourning the loss of pop singer Michael Jackson. Jackson dies on Thursday from apparent cardiac arrest.
White House spokesman Robert Gibbs told reporters at a news conference that Obama called Jackson "a spectacular performer and a music icon."
"I think everybody remembers hearing his songs, watching him moonwalk on television during Motown's 25th anniversary," Gibbs quoted the president as saying.
Gibbs also said Obama believed some aspects of Jackson's life were "sad and tragic" and offered his condolences to the musician's family.
Meanwhile, the exact circumstances of the 50-year-old singer's death remain unclear, early clues suggested he may simply have pushed his heart too far.
Authorities said they spoke with the Jackson's private physician briefly Thursday and Friday and expected to meet with him again soon. Police stressed that the doctor, identified by the Los Angeles Times as cardiologist Conrad Murray, was not a criminal suspect.
Craig Harvey, a spokesman for the Los Angeles County coroner, said there were no signs of foul play in the autopsy and further tests would be needed to determine cause of death. He said Jackson was taking some unspecified prescription medication but gave few other details.
