Jermaine Jackson speaks on behalf of family

Michael Jackson's family has issued their first statement on the passing of the entertainment legend.

Jackson's older brother Jermaine spoke briefly to reporters at UCLA Medical Center on Thursday, just hours after Michael's passing.

"This is hard," he said tearfully before reading a brief statement outlining the events surrounding his brother's death.

Jermaine Jackson said that it is believed that Michael suffered a heart attack and added that his personal physician, who was with him at the time, immediately attempted to resuscitate him.

When paramedics arrived on the scene he was not breathing and was rushed to the hospital.

"May Allah be with you Michael, always. Love you," Jermaine said at the conclusion of the prepared statement.