Michael Jackson’s body has been released to his family amid reports today that the singer was regularly taking a cocktail of prescription drugs.
Also see: Cocktail of drugs could’ve killed Jacko
His body was taken to a mortuary last night at the request of the family who have yet to confirm their plans for the 50-year-old singer’s funeral.
The results of a post mortem examination have been deferred, possibly by six to eight weeks, and officials have ruled out foul play.
Jackson was raised as a Jehovah’s Witness but was reported to have converted to Islam.
Police and coroner’s officials are examining the role prescription drugs may have played in his death as it was reported that he was injected with the powerful painkiller Demerol shortly before he fell ill.
Entertainment news website TMZ reported the singer received the shot at 11.30am the day of his death and a national newspaper said he was taking a cocktail of painkillers and other drugs.
Jackson was taking Dilaudid and Vicodin for problems with pain, Soma, a muscle relaxant, Xanax, a sedative, Zoloft and Paxil, anti-depressants and Prilosec for heartburn, said the report.
Officers now want to speak to Dr Conrad Murray, a cardiologist. Charlie Beck, assistant police chief of the Los Angeles Police Department, said it was “way too early” to draw any conclusions. Craig Harvey, operations chief of the Los Angeles County Coroner’s office, said there was no evidence of foul play but further tests were needed.
Meanwhile, the UK’s official chart compilers today revealed Jackson’s greatest hits album Number Ones is set to top the UK album chart tomorrow.
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