A day after the sudden death of pop superstar Michael Jackson, aged 50, a coroner is now trying to establish exactly what killed him.

But the Los coroner's office has warned it's unlikely they'd immediately be able to give the cause - though there is speculation from his lawyer Brian Oxman that it may be linked to medication he used to take for a bad back.

Police are also investigating the death which is standard procedure in high-profile cases. Although Jackson sold more than sixty-million albums in the US alone, he was reported to have been 500 million US dollars in debt.

His later career was overshadowed by unproven allegations that he had abused boys. Meanwhile US president, Barack Obama, has joined those around the world who've paid tribute to the singer.

A White House spokesman said Mr Obama considered Jackson a spectacular performer and a musical icon - although he said aspects of the star's life were sad and tragic.

In other tributes, the former Beatle Paul McCartney described him as massively talented and the actress and singer Liza Minnelli said Michael Jackson had left an extraordinary legacy.


source : http://www.rthk.org.hk