Michael Jackson to be buried without his brain

[PennyBlack]

Michael Jackson to be buried without his brain

guardian.co.uk
Tuesday 7 July 2009 09.41 BST

Michael Jackson will be buried without his brain today after doctors retained it following an autopsy to help determine the cause of death.

The King of Pop will be saluted in grand fashion at the Staples Centre memorial ceremony, and reportedly laid to rest at Los Angeles's Forest Lawn cemetery. However, the LA coroner's office has still not completed its tests on Jackson's brain, and the singer's family have been advised that unless they wish to wait, he must be buried without it.

Jackson died from an apparent cardiac arrest on 25 June. Though his body was released the next day to relatives, his brain was not. The pop star's inert brain must "harden" for at least two weeks before doctors can conduct their neuropathology tests.

Doctors will examine Jackson's brain to help determine the cause of death, suspected of being linked to painkillers. Such examinations can also reveal unknown diseases, evidence of alcohol abuse or whether Jackson has suffered overdoses in the past.

Removing the brain is the "only way to carry out the tests" according to a source for the Mirror. "The tissue has to be examined. I can't tell you how long that is going to take."

How do any of you feel about this?  Whilst I can understand the necessity to determine the exact cause of death, I feel that they should have delayed the funeral until all necessary tests were carried out and then release the body for burial.

What is even more upsetting is that no mention was given in this item of news as to what will be done with the 'brain' once tests have been completed.  Surely this is wrong?  I find it very hard to believe that pieces of someones body can be separated like this and part is released for 'burial' and the rest - well who knows.  I can't believe Michael Jackson's relatives agreed to this can you

[steveg]

No I can't understand it either - I would have waited until all tests were completed too

[cheryls]

Michael's family would have no legal say in the matter. They could refuse to bury him without all body parts and hold him somewhere until that time (for a big fee) but in the state of California and depending on what county you die in (he was in LA County) the rules of the state apply. If you haven't seen a Dr in 90 days (Anyone living there) you are automatically an Coronors case and an autopsy will be performed. The only time this will not happen is if a Dr signs you off as "dying under normal circumstances" and I don't think any Dr would have done that in MJ's case. After my mom died I also found out the Coroner was also taking Cornea's from eyes without the family's consent but there was some controversy over that & I believe the practice has now stopped. They can take what they want and test for however long it takes and the family can either choose to bury him/creamate him but the family can also hold the body somewhere and pay a storage fee until they choose to bury him.

[Jackyd99]

It doesn't really bother me. It's not like you need any of your bodily tissues when you leave this realm.....