It always happens in threes...

Conspiracy theorists and the superstitious are now totally convinced that celebrity deaths do indeed occur in threes. And you can count me among them. After today's turn of events, it seems truer than ever.

First, came the news of Ed McMahon. Johnny Carson's longtime late night cohort, pal to Dick Clark, 'bestower' of Publisher's Clearing House fortunes and all-around pretty swell guy.



Then the sad news that came earlier today. 70s pinup and Charlie's Angel Farrah Fawcett lost her battle with cancer. Relief finally for her, but the grieving has just begun for her family -- especially her on and off again, but completely devoted former husband, Ryan O'Neill. Just totally and completely heartbreaking. But a testament to true love.











Then, out of nowhere, reports of Michael Jackson being rushed to an LA hospital after suffering cardiac arrest. Thing about cardiac arrest is, if you're not revived within 5 minutes, you're a goner -- generally speaking. So, it wasn't looking good right off the bat. I remember saying to Melissa... 'my God -- could he be number 3?' Not much longer after that, my query was confirmed.

Michael Jackson, dead at 50.

Pop star Michael Jackson was pronounced dead today after paramedics found him in a coma at his Bel-Air mansion, city and law enforcement sources told The Times. Los Angeles Fire Department Capt. Steve Ruda told The Times that paramedics responded to a 911 call from the home. When they arrived, Jackson was not breathing. The paramedics performed CPR and took him to UCLA Medical Center, Ruda said. Hundreds of reporters gathered at the hospital awaiting word on his condition. The sources, who spoke on the condition that they not be named, said family members rushed to Jackson's bedside, where he was in a deep coma. The circumstances of Jackson's death remain unclear. Law enforcement sources said that Los Angeles Police Department robbery-homicide detectives have opened an investigation into the death, though they stressed there is no evidence of criminal wrongdoing. The detectives plan to interview relatives, friends and Jackson's doctors to try to figure out what happened. The L.A. County coroner's office will determine a cause of death. [la times]

RIP to all...