Report: Jackson close to death in 2004

Reports have claimed that Michael Jackson came close to death in 2004, before being saved by a local paramedic.

According to Fox News, the singer, who passed away last week after suffering a cardiac arrest, had a history of previously undocumented health problems.

A Jackson family source has alleged that Michael's older brother Randy discovered him unconscious at his home five years ago and was forced to call a local medic.

"They were able to save him but it was all very frightening," said the insider. "It was a doctor that didn't normally treat Michael and he was shocked, absolutely shocked by the amount of prescription medications he saw at the house.

"Thankfully they were able to save him but it was all very frightening."

The source added: "A family meeting was held and basically they begged Michael to seek help. Katherine [his mum] also started asking a lot of questions about how Elvis Presley died. She was worried."

The coroner is currently looking into the cause of Jackson's death and is expected to reveal the results in between four and six weeks.