Michael Jackson’s final days: a mixture of triumph and tragedy.

Michael Jackson, the legendary entertainer known for his groundbreaking albums and electrifying performances, had a life marked by immense popularity and profound controversy. Rising to fame as a child star and solidifying his iconic status with albums such as “Off the Wall,” “Thriller” and “Bad,” Jackson’s career was a testament to his musical genius.

However, his personal life, characterized by eccentric behavior, alleged addictions, and allegations of child abuse, began to overshadow his artistic achievements in his later years.

Despite his continued presence in tabloid headlines, Jackson completely withdrew from public performances during the last decade of his life. His sudden death on June 25, 2009, at the age of 50, shocked the world. Jackson had committed to a 50-show residency at London’s O2 Arena for a comeback show titled “This Is It,” promising an extravagant retrospective of his illustrious career.

However, unbeknownst to his fans, Jackson faced serious health issues and a race against time to prepare for the stage, dealing with insomnia and addiction issues, as well as efforts to maintain a healthy diet.

On June 24, 2009, Jackson’s final day began with a meal at home with his family. His personal chef, Kai Chase, who was responsible for preparing healthy meals for the Jackson family, recalled preparing seared ahi tuna accompanied by an organic salad and a refreshing carrot-orange juice blend for Jackson’s last meal at home.

Although initial reports suggested a different menu, Chase clarified the details of Jackson’s final meals, highlighting the efforts made to meet his nutritional needs.

That night, Jackson went to rehearsals for “This Is It” at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. The rehearsal was remarkably successful, with Jackson appearing happier and healthier than at any previous session, leaving a positive impression on those in attendance. The session lasted until midnight, covering Jackson’s full repertoire of hits and ending on an upbeat note.

Despite his evident energy and enthusiasm during rehearsals, Jackson struggled with significant health issues at home, particularly related to sleep. Dr. Conrad Murray, employed by the concert promoter AEG Live, was responsible for managing Jackson’s health challenges, including administering medications to aid his sleep.

On the night of June 24, between 1:30 a.m. and 3:00 a.m., Murray administered three different sedatives: Valium, Ativan, and Versed. Jackson’s insomnia persisted, and Murray later administered propofol, a powerful sedative, at Jackson’s request for “milk,” his nickname for the drug.

The next morning, Jackson was found unresponsive. Chase recounted the disturbing moment when he sensed something was wrong. Dr. Murray urgently called Jackson’s eldest son, Prince, and paramedics were called.

Despite efforts to resuscitate Jackson, he could not be revived. The scene outside Jackson’s residence was one of urgency and distress, with ambulances and a crowd gathering as news of the pop star’s condition spread.

The production of “This Is It” was intended to be one of the most spectacular live shows ever conceived, featuring Jackson’s notable hits and promising a visual feast with extravagant set pieces and cutting-edge 3D effects. However, Jackson’s journey to reclaim his former glory was hampered by chronic back pain from a past onstage accident, leading to his reliance on painkillers and impacting his sleep patterns.

Jackson’s sudden death left a profound impact on the world, cutting short a long-awaited comeback and marking the end of an era for one of the most influential artists in history. Despite the controversies and challenges that marked his life, Michael Jackson’s legacy as the King of Pop endures, celebrated for his unparalleled contributions to music and performance.