VIA CNN: The news of Michael Jackson’s death on June 25, stunned local fans and people across the world.
Since then, U.S. fans of Michael Jackson are pouring out their grief through music and dance, impromptu shrines at symbolic locations and heartfelt remembrances online.
Jackson’s star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame was surrounded hours before dawn Friday by candles, flowers, posters and balloons. As the sun rose, a man crouched on the sidewalk and painted a portrait of the pop star, who died suddenly on Thursday. “This is a very sad day here in Hollywood, California,” sobbed Melissa Fazli, a CNN iReporter.
“This is very, very sad. I can’t believe it.” The star emblem had been covered until almost 3 a.m. by a red carpet for the premiere of the Sasha Baron Cohen film “Bruno” at Grauman’s Chinese Theater, but fans started leaving mementos as soon as the carpet was removed. The film’s producers reportedly cut a scene referencing Jackson, at least for the premiere. “He was an innovator,” a fan named Delores said outside the theater. “He’s basically an icon in his own time — legendary. It’s going to take years [to sink in] that he’s gone, because he’s always with me. … I’m just trying to assess it all right now. I’m still mourning, and at the same time missing him. It’s a little bit much to bear.” Fans gathered near the gates of the Los Angeles home where the King of Pop collapsed Thursday, and hundreds more assembled outside the UCLA Medical Center, where Jackson was pronounced dead.
The U.S. fans’ reaction was part of a worldwide outpouring of grief over Jackson’s death and celebration of his life and art. There are still unanswered questions surrounding the cause of Michael Jackson’s death, with speculation on an addiction to prescription drugs. And, the results of a second autopsy ordered by Michael’s family are still unknown. But, no matter what the final cause of Michael’s death turns out to be, his life will always be remembered by his adoring fans and sorely missed for years to come.
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