Michael Jackson's death may have been the result of a drugs overdose, according to US media reports.
Jackson, 50, is thought to have died after suffering a heart attack at his Los Angeles home yesterday.
The star was rushed to a local hospital, but died despite doctors' attempts to administer CPR.
There are claims the singer was taking large amounts of painkilling medication as he prepared for his comeback gigs in London next month.
Brian Oxman, the Jackson family's lawyer, said the star had taken the drugs throughout his career, and increasingly as he rehearsed for the scheduled concerts.
Mr Oxman also claimed Jackson's “enablers” had aided the star's dependency on medication to heal injuries sustained onstage.
He told CNN: “This is not something that has been unexpected... because of the medications which Michael was under.
“I do not know the extent of the medications that he was taking but the reports we had been receiving in the family is that they were extensive.
“When you warn people that this is what’s going to happen and then it happens... where there’s smoke, there’s fire.”
CLICK HERE to read more of Mr Oxman's comments.
Jackson was due to play 50 shows at London's O2 Arena, starting on July 13.
For the latest Michael Jackson coverage, see below: Michael Jackson, The King Of Pop, Dies Aged 50 In Los Angeles Michael Jackson 1958-2009: Through The Years Glastonbury Festival Fans Pay Tribute To Michael Jackson
Wyclef Jean, Pete Wentz, Diddy, Praise 'Music God' Michael Jackson
- by Jason Gregory
- June 26, 2009
- Photo by: WENN.com
~ by SHOLA 6/26/2009
~ by Kelly 6/26/2009
~ by JACQUI 6/26/2009
~ by Keith 6/26/2009