As fans all over the world mourn the death of pop legend Michael Jackson, questions continue to emerge about the days leading up to his sudden passing and what could have caused his reported cardiac arrest Thursday.
Less than 24 hours after Michael Jackson's death, the coroner's office Friday morning released what detail it could about preliminary autopsy results.
"At this point we have not and will not determine cause of death. The autopsy will last several hours," said Ed Winter with the L.A. County Coroner Department.
The investigation into the singer's death is just beginning.
But it hasn't stopped those who knew Jackson from speculating about what may have been behind it.
A longtime family friend said he'd been warning about the pop star's use of painkillers, something he said Jackson relied on to deal with lingering medical problems.
"I don't know what caused his death but here we are and I feared this day," said Brian Oxman.
Jackson fell unconscious at his Bel Air Mansion around noon Thursday.
Despite frantic attempts to resuscitate him by his personal physician, paramedics and a team of doctors he slipped into a coma and was declared dead two hours later.
"It is believed he suffered cardiac arrest in his home, however, the cause of his death is unknown until the results of the autopsy are known,” said brother Jermaine Jackson.
As news spread of his death all over the world fans poured out to practically every location associated with the star, sharing their favorite songs and memories.
The Los Angeles Police Department is now interviewing those closest to Jackson to rule out any suspicions.
A friend told the Today Show that the star had been on an intense, stressful rehearsal schedule for his upcoming 50-concert comeback tour, which was to begin in two weeks.
"He looked like he had been beaten up physically and mentally. Very frail, very thin, he looked very, very weak," said friend of Jackson Brian Michael Stoller.
Still, his upcoming tour was seen as the return of the king for his fans.
And friends said Jackson himself was looking forward to what he felt was a new chapter in his life.