Aug 5, 2009
Michael Jackson: Pop Star's Brain Returned To His Family As Speculation Mounts Over Burial Spot | Showbiz News | Sky NewsMichael Jackson's Brain Returned To Family
9:40am UK, Saturday August 08, 2009
Michael Jackson's brain has been returned to his family in a move that could finally see him buried.
There are reports Michael Jackson will be buried in an unmarked grave
The organ was removed from the 50-year-old singer's body following his death on June 25.
Pathologists then carried out tests in an attempt to discover what killed him.
But a spokesman for Los Angeles Department of Coroners said the brain had now been united with the rest of the corpse.
It had been handed over "last week", he added.
Speculation will now turn to where the King of Pop will be buried.
There are reports in the US suggesting the Jackson family is preparing to bury him in an unmarked grave in Forest Lawn Cemetery.
The burial place in the Hollywood Hills was the site for the family's private memorial for the Thriller singer.
There has also been speculation that the King of Pop would be buried at his Neverland Ranch.
But permission is needed to inter people at the estate and with poor transport links to the property, local authorities may fear the grave will become a pilgrimage for Jackson's millions of fans worldwide.
Michael Jackson's Brain ReturnedMichael Jackson's Brain Returned
Michael Jackson's brain has been reunited with his body.
The singer's brain was removed from his skull last month and taken away for toxicology tests.
Testing is now complete and the organ has been released to Michael's family, who have been waiting for the brain to be returned before they proceed with burial of the star, who died after a suspected cardiac arrest in June.
Morticians at Hollywood's Forest Lawn Cemetery are now preparing Michael's body before it is laid to rest.
The singer's family have reportedly decided to inter Michael in an unmarked grave to prevent people decorating his grave or attempting to steal his body.A family friend said: "They're afraid someone is going to do something terrible to his body. That's not a risk they can take so they're burying him in an unmarked plot.
The burial is not expected to include a formal ceremony and fans will not be welcome to attend.
Insiders claim just two members of the Jackson family will witness the burial to avoid media attention.
Meanwhile, a judge has approved plans by the administrators of Michael's estate to "market" the late star.
This will include the re-publication of Michael's autobiography 'Moonwalk' and the release of Jermaine Jackson's rendition of 'Smile' at Michael's memorial service.
The deal also includes a 2010 calendar, commemorative coins and school supplies.