Pop icon Michael Jackson, who weaved musical magic with his songs and performances and was called the “ultimate entertainer”, died of a heart attack on Friday, leaving millions of fans in shock around the globe. The 50-year-old moonwalking former child star, who became known the world over as the King of Pop, was not breathing when paramedics arrived at his rented home in Los Angeles.

He was taken to the University of California, Los Angeles Medical Centre, where he died at 1.07 pm Pacific time on Thursday (1.37 am IST on Friday). “I am 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,” said Jackson’s ex-wife Lisa Marie Presley, daughter of Elvis Presley.

At the time of his death Jackson had been preparing for a 50-concert run in London that was meant to represent his comeback and secure his financial future. British prime minister Gordon Brown Friday paid tribute to Michael Jackson, saying that the singer’s death was “very sad news” for his fans.

“This is very sad news for the millions of Michael Jackson fans in Britain and around the world,” Brown’s spokesman said. “The prime minister’s thoughts are with Michael Jackson’s family at this time.” In Australia, Jackson’s fans expressed their grief over his death.

Thomson Kottarathara wrote in The Age newspaper website: “Sad day for music. MJ was a legend. Love all the timeless music and the images he provided us with. Michael, you will remain in our hearts. RIP.”

Yann said: “The king of pop is dead, am sure anyone from the X generation will feel little bit sad, in the 80’s we had the greatest concerts, their where the great days. The moon dance unh!! that was so cool. And then the 90’s came thats when Michael just went coucou!!”

In Malaysia, hundreds of Michael Jackson fans jammed the phone lines of a national radio station to express their shock on learning about death of the King of Pop.