Remembering Michael Jackson: A decade since losing the 'King of Pop'

LOS ANGELES (FOX 11) - The world's attention was focused on Los Angeles 10 years ago Tuesday when Michael Jackson died at UCLA Medical Center of an overdose while preparing for a series of concerts in London.

The so-called "King of Pop,'' 50, was pronounced dead at 2:26 p.m. on June 25, 2009, at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, about two hours after paramedics were called to the singer's rented Holmby Hills estate, where he was rehearsing for a series of 50 sold-out shows in London.

Nearly three months after Jackson's death, the coroner's office ruled his death a homicide.

Jackson's personal physician, Dr. Conrad Murray, was charged on Feb. 8, 2010, with involuntary manslaughter in connection with the pop superstar's death from an overdose of propofol, a powerful prescription sedative that Jackson was using as a sleeping aid. He pleaded not guilty, but was ultimately convicted of involuntary manslaughter in November 2011 and sentenced to four years in prison.

No official public remembrance is planned for the tenth anniversary of Jackson's death, but Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills where Jackson is interred expects at least 10,000 visitors to pay their respects Tuesday to the legendary singer, but none will be allowed inside the building where Jackson is laid to rest.

"They (fans) are welcome to come to the exterior of the Great Mausoleum to pay their respects, leave some beautiful flowers for Michael and his family and that would be wonderful,'' Tom Smith, Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills Public Relations Director, said.

Fans were also anticipated to gather at Jackson's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6925 Hollywood Blvd. in front of the TCL Chinese Theater.

Jackson's estate released a statement marking the singer's 2009 death.

"Ten years ago today, the world lost a gifted artist and extraordinary humanitarian,'' the statement said. "A decade later, Michael Jackson is still with us... he is more important than ever.''

"But the true measure of Michael was his giving to others, which came in many forms,'' the statement said. "He comforted the unfortunate at hospitals, in long term care facilities and at halfway houses. He equipped Neverland Ranch with medical facilities to accommodate patients seeking refuge from their lonely hospital rooms, and thousands came. He visited troops on bases around the world serving their country. Guinness World Records acknowledged his efforts with an award for Most Charities Supported by a Pop Star.''

The statement also included some of Jackson's most impressive achievements as a musician.

"In a world where numbers are the measure of a man, Michael Jackson is a resounding success, whether by his 16 No. 1 singles and eight No. 1 albums in the U.S or the fact that his album "Thriller" is owned by more people on the planet than any album ever made and "Thriller" the short film is the only music video to have been inducted into the National Film Registry,'' the statement said. "And when mastery of a craft is the measure, Michael Jackson's divine abilities remain the yardstick by which others are measured and against which today's masters still measure themselves.''

It also called on fans to make the world a better place by paying tribute to "his legacy of philanthropic work and ask music fans everywhere to make a difference in their community -- whether it's planting a tree, volunteering at a shelter, cleaning up a public space or helping someone who is lost find their way.'' the statement read.

CNS contributed to this report.