WENN/Daniel Deme
Michael Jackson‘s friends, family and fans joined together on Wednesday (25Jun14) to mark five years since the King of Pop’s death. The Thriller hitmaker passed away on 25 June, 2009 after suffering an overdose of anaesthetic administered by his doctor, Conrad Murray, who served two years in jail on an involuntary manslaughter charge for his role in the tragedy.
The fifth anniversary of Jackson’s death prompted a flood of tributes on social networking websites, with fans across the world sharing their memories of the pop superstar and making #MichaelJackson a trending topic on Twitter.com.
A number of stars also took to the website to mourn the loss of the singer five years on. British supermodel Naomi Campbell shared a picture of herself posing with Jackson with her hands on his face, adding, “I miss you #MJ #RIP with #angels #kingofpop #loyalfriend #legend# #Icon #MichealJackson in our hearts… (sic).”
Rapper/actor Ludacris adds, “R.I.P. The King Of POP M.J.”
Jackson’s pop star nephews, Taj, Taryll and TJ Jackson, of 3T, were stranded in Europe on the day of the anniversary due to a strike by French air traffic controllers, but they managed to add tributes to their late uncle before boarding a plane back to California to be with their family. Taryll writes, “To my idol, teacher, uncle and best friend… ‘I love you more’. #alwaysinmyheart #love #foreverMJJ #bestofalltime (sic),” while his brother TJ, adds, “Not a day goes by where I don’t think about him. And today even more so… His smile, his laughter, his walk, everything. Love you, Doo Doo.”
The co-executors of Jackson’s estate, John Branca and John McClain, also released a statement to mark the fifth anniversary of the singer’s passing. The message, posted on Jackson’s official website, reads, “Our thoughts and prayers are with Michael’s loved ones today as we remember the kind, gentle and giving spirit who generously shared his amazing artistic gifts with the world along with a limitless empathy for those in need. Time has shown that with each passing year the world’s appreciation deepens not just for Michael’s talent but also for his lifelong passion to spread peace, unity, love and hope across every culture and society. Michael’s friendship, kindness, humour and joyful warmth will always be missed. The world is a far better place for having known him.”
A number of memorial events are planned around the world on Wednesday – American fans are set to come together for a candlelight vigil around his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles, while other gatherings are planned in countries including Spain, Holland and the U.K. Fans are also expected to visit Jackson’s childhood home in Gary, Indiana.
