LOS ANGELES (AP) - The family of pop superstar Michael Jackson calls this "one of the darkest moments of our lives."
In a statement issued through
People magazine, the family says Jackson's death leaves them "speechless and devastated." They say the loss makes it nearly impossible to communicate with the outside world, but they are thanking Jackson fans.
They say the death of their "beloved son, brother and father of three children" comes "unexpectedly" and the pain of it "cannot be described in words."
But they "Michael would not want us to give up now" and urged "his faithful supporters and loyal fans worldwide" not to despair, saying "Michael will continue to live on in each and every one of you." They ask fans to continue to spread his message "so his legacy will live forever."
©2009 Associated Press.
