Legendary performer Michael Jackson, whose groundbreaking music and dance moves earned him the nickname the “King of Pop,” died in Los Angeles on Thursday after apparently going into cardiac arrest. He was 50.

In a brief news conference, the performer’s brother, Jermaine Jackson, said he was pronounced dead in hospital at 2:26 p.m. PT. It’s believed Jackson suffered cardiac arrest at his home, but Jermaine Jackson said an autopsy will be conducted to confirm the cause of death.

The autopsy is expected to be performed Friday.

Paramedics had responded to a call at Jackson’s rented mansion in Holmby Hills about 12:30 p.m. PT, but Jackson was not breathing when they arrived.

Jermaine Jackson said his brother’s personal doctor, who was in the house at the time, and paramedics had tried to resuscitate him.

Paramedics continued to perform CPR as Jackson was rushed to UCLA Medical Center, Jermaine Jackson said.

“Upon arriving at the hospital at approximately 1:14 p.m., a team of doctors, including emergency physicians and cardiologists, attempted to resuscitate him for a period of more than one hour, but they were unsuccessful,” he said.

“My family request that the media please respect our privacy during this time, and may all love be with you, Michael, always. We love you.”

Jackson had been preparing and rehearsing hard for what was to be his greatest comeback. He was scheduled for an unprecedented 50 shows at London’s O2 arena, with the first set for July 13.

Frank DiLeo, Jackson’s manager, told the Los Angeles Times that at the end of a rehearsal the night before his death, Jackson departed the stage very happy about the progress of the show.

“He just told me how happy he was and that things were finally working out the way he wanted,” he said.

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