Some shocking news from the Associated Press today. Despite initial reports that the prescription medications that led to Michael Jackson’s fatal overdose were intended to treat a range of serious health ailments, a newly released report from the LA coroners office show that he was in relatively good health. Far from the sickly man the press made him out to be in the wake of his tragic death, it now appears that MJ’s addiction to prescription drugs was solely abusive.
According to the Associated Press:
“His 136 pounds were in the acceptable range for a 5-foot-9 man. His heart was strong with no sign of plaque buildup. And his kidneys and most other major organs were normal.
“Still, Jackson had health issues: arthritis in the lower spine and some fingers, and mild plaque buildup in his leg arteries. Most serious was his lungs, which the autopsy report said were chronically inflamed and had reduced capacity that might have left him short of breath.
However, according to the document, the lung condition was not serious enough to be a direct or contributing cause of death.”
If Jackson’s lung ailments were this serious, it seems unlikely that he would have been able to endure the series of concerts he was scheduled to perform before his death.
It’s still unclear how this news will affect MJ’s personal physician, Dr. Conrad Murray, who gave Jackson the sedatives that lead to his death. The news that Jackson was in relatively good health certainly contradicts Dr. Murray’s claims that the plethora of medications Jackson was taking were needed to combat a host of serious ailments.
It should be mentioned that this news in no way diminishes the tragedy of Michael’s death. In fact, if anything it only enhances the needless passing of his life. As I wrote in my coverage of DJ AM‘s death, celebrity addictions are no different than the addictions thousands of ordinary Americans fight everyday. They need our support, but unfortunately often instead find an entourage only too willing to feed their addiction if it means being closer to their celebrity and a media quick to sensationalize and cash in on their sickness. RIP Michael.
Read more: Features, Michael Jackson, News
| The Insider |
Good article. Prescription drug overdoses are becoming way way way too commonplace these days. This needs to stop and fast. |
| Posted on Oct 01, 2009 |
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