What Killed Michael Jackson?

What killed Michael Jackson? The pop icon died last month of what was determined to be an apparent heart attack, and a rep from L.A. Coroners office told "The Insider" it might be another two weeks before the toxicology report is finished. Were prescription drugs to blame? Is a psychiatric autopsy required?

"This is an evolving story," says Steven E. Pitt, an expert in forensic and general psychiatry. "If in fact you believe even a fraction of the stories [in the news] as being accurate and correct, it would suggest that there was some type of physiologic dependence on narcotic analgesic medication, more commonly referred to as pain medications."

Reports have surfaced alleging that Jackson had multiple prescription drugs in his home, many of which were under other people's names. Pitt weighs in, telling "The Insider," "The issue is not whether it's common or uncommon for someone to be prescribed multiple medications, the issue is in what amounts and dosages, and how frequently are they taking those medications. That's where the rubber meets the road, and that's where the toxicology results are going to become so important and vital."

"My suspicion is that the toxicology reports are going to look like a Walgreens pharmacy," he adds. As for the concept that Jackson was surrounded by "enablers," he says, "I am forever amazed that individuals who otherwise exercise terrific common sense and terrific judgment in all other kinds of contexts somehow lose their way when they are around celebrities."

A psychiatric autopsy has also been mentioned as a possible aspect of the investigation, and Pitt explains, "A psychiatric autopsy is a retrospective analysis of a [deceased individual's] mental state and behavior during the weeks, days, and hours leading up to death; it is often used as a complement to an autopsy." He cites family, friends, co-workers and medical records, videos, photographs and personal writings as "very helpful in answering the question, 'What was the [deceased individual's] mental state like prior to death?'"

Watch "The Insider" for the latest news in the Michael Jackson investigation…

Published 7/18/09 by the Insider

Comments (65)

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  • His reckless lifestyle killed him along with not following the God of the Bible (Jesus Christ). He tried a lot of religious trips but never acknowledged the only true God, Jesus Christ.
  • michael jackson is my idol.who is killed to my idol? if i know who killed of michael jackson i kille that docktors michael jackson i love your songs,you are not alone,heal the world,billy jean and any more i ove you my idol
    Anonymous 7/29/09 Reply
  • LEAVE HIM AND HIS FAMILY ALONE PLEASE THEY ARE ALREADY GOING THROW A HARD TIME MY HEART GOES OUT TO THE JACKSON'S
    Anonymous 7/27/09 Reply
  • LEAVE HIM AND HIS FAMILY ALONE PLEASE THEY ARE ALREADY GOING THROW A HARD TIME MY HEART GOES OUT TO THE JACKSON'S
    Anonymous 7/27/09 Reply
  • Dr.contrd murray kill M. j. i belive he did.
    Anonymous 7/23/09 Reply
  • his doctor murray kill him i belive.
    Anonymous 7/23/09 Reply
  • what really killed micheal jackson? is his body really stolen? why would someone steal a dead body?
    Anonymous 7/22/09 Reply
  • i was shocked . but its a fact to be accepted, i am not a die hard fan of MJ but but i respected him for his achievements.no matter how he died, but he created the history in the world of music that can never be filled again bu any one i guess. let...
    Anonymous 7/21/09 Reply
  • I don't care what anyone says, we lost a genius, and that's a big loss because we don't have too many of them left anymore. In fact, I can't think of any other musical genius that's still alive. Big loss and sad times for the world, whether you...
    Anonymous 7/21/09 Reply
  • i know that who killed michael jackson ...........sorry mikael jackson he has became muslim it's true ya eminem killed jackson i have the proof also if u wont will give eminem give him the poison i saw in the street????
    Anonymous 7/21/09 Reply
  • So, this is it , this is the life , it's very hard to believe it, but MJ is dead..............!!!!!!!!!?
    cinov 7/20/09 Reply
  • I think Jordan Chandler and his dad should go on TV and PUBLICLY apologize to Micheal's family..to his parents, brothers, sisters, fans/friends and to his children.

    Because of Evan Chandler told his son, Jordan to lie about what Micheal did..it...
    KristinL5 7/20/09 Reply
  • Why are the authority's dragging this out, the man is dead and gone. He will always be remember thru his music and the fact that he adored his children. We all already know Micheal Jackson died because of drugs........
    Anonymous 7/20/09 Reply
  • lets pray for the family, i would lkie to know where his mother get such strength from hats off for her. Michael was hurting so much and i think the trust he has was gone
    Anonymous 7/20/09 Reply
  • He died that itself is great...He is surely the drifter of humanity to the lusifer's world. I think in hell there will be great concert organized as MJ is there.
    Anonymous 7/20/09 Reply
    • You're not very bright for saying that about MJ (party in hell). It's more likely to happen when YOU die, not MJ. I bet you're an average person who contributed nothing worthwhile or extraordinary. Why are you here?
      Anonymous 7/21/09