Michael Jackson Homicide: Death by Propofol Intoxication
The official cause of Michael Jackson's death on June 25, 2009 is acute propofol intoxication according to the Los Angeles County Coroner and TMZ. Propofol is an anesthetic.
The two key drugs that caused Michael Jackson's death were propofol and lorazepam according to the coroner's report. Additional drugs were also in Michael Jackson's system, including ephedrine, lidocaine, diazepam, and midazolam.
TMZ reports that a condition described as "benzodiazepine effect" also contributed to the death. These drugs are used in cases of insomnia or anxiety.
Michael Jackson's personal doctor, Dr. Conrad Murray, was in the home at the time Michael Jackson became unconscious. Jackson was later declared dead at the hospital.
The London Times reports that Jackson's physician, Dr. Conrad Murray, made several telephone calls after Michael Jackson ceased breathing. The London Times reports that "Dr. Murray on the phone for 47 minutes after the singer stopped breathing....and it took 82 minutes for him to call an ambulance." Dr. Conrad Murray is now under investigation for manslaughter in the death of Michael Jackson.
The Los Angeles police have also visited the office of Michael Jackson's dermatologist, Dr. Arnold Klein. The Mickey Fine Pharmacy in Los Angeles has also been visited by the DEA during the investigation of Michael Jackson's death according to TMZ.
Michael Jackson was clearly using drugs off label to try to treat his insomnia. Proving any physician guilty of manslaughter in this case will be difficult. It is clear however, that a horrific lapse of judgment occurred when Dr. Murray waited over an hour to call an ambulance after Michael Jackson stopped breathing.
As so many other Hollywood deaths have shown over the years, wanton use of a cocktail of drugs often has fatal consequences. Fame seems to make stars vulnerable to excess and risky behavior.
The facts of Michael Jackson's death are slowly coming out. It seems he was surrounded by doctors and employees who perhaps did not have his best interests at heart. This early death shows the dangers of drugs. Any time any drug is used in an off label fashion the risks are enormous.
Drugs kill. This message has been reinforced by Michael Jackson's death and will probably, and sadly, be a tale told again and again in the world of Hollywood and fame.
Sources:
www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/article6814212.ece
Published by Julia Bodeeb
Winner, Pulitzer Center Global Issues contest (Washington, DC), semi-finalist: The Nation's poetry contest. Published in newspapers, magazines and many online websites. Sold jokes to a major comic. Over a... View profile
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14 Comments
Post a CommentDr Murray did not have the certification to give Michael Jackson any of the drugs he gave him.Therefore I know he is guilty.
Celebrity is a drug of itself...
Such a shame.
this was very sad and painful what a world we live in, but great article
Wow, I wonder what keeps our entertainers awake! Good reporting here.
This is the first I've heard of this, too, Julie! Thanks for this report.
Most of Michael's life was a mystery to most of us. The truth about his death may never be entirely known.
This is very sad and the first I had heard of this news. Thanks for the report!
It's tragic when doctors put money before the welfare of the patient.
That's just too sad. Normal people can't get good medical care because the medical community doesn't think we are worth it. It seems that celebrities can't get it because all doctors want is a piece of the action (money).