Michael Jackson Fans Committing Suicide

I am totally empathetic to all of the millions of fans that are feeling the loss of Michael Jackson. But... those those hardcore fans that feel that Mike is the end all be all of legends past, present, and to come, I'm not with you.

Don't get me wrong, I love Micheal just as much as the rest of the world does, but I'm not willing to end my life just because he no longer breathes the same air that I do. No SUH! Well... a dozen hardcore Michael Jackson fans have committed suicide following the news of the pop icon's death, says various media outlets.

Michael Jackson passed away late last week from cardiac arrest sending millions of fans all over the world into mourning. In deed Michael Jackson's death from cardiac arrest last week has moved fans all over the world into action, nearly shutting down the internet and sparking the creation of numerous tributes and memorials, thus proving yet again how Mike's presence whether tangible or fantasy, is all too powerful.

Humbling honors and tributes aside, some fans have been going too far and taking their own lives, says Gary Taylor, president and owner of an online Michael Jackson fan club.

"I know there has been an increase (in deaths), I now believe the figure is 12. It is a serious situation that these people are going through but Michael Jackson would never want this. He would want them to live," Taylor says. "They (fans) can't accept it; they feel in some sort of different reality. I'm stunned that he's dead. One minute he is coming here for concerts and the next he is gone. I think the funeral will be where the reality kicks in that he is gone and won't be coming back, there will be a huge depression in the fan community when that happens."

Cementing the seriousness of the situation, Jackson's longtime friend Rev. Jesse Jackson also spoke on the tragedy and urged fans not to "self-destruct."

"This is a time when hearts are heavy," Jackson said. "There is great pain but great cause to celebrate Michael's life. It made Michael happy saying We Are The World. Don't self-destruct. We fall down sometimes, we get back up. That's the right thing to do. In Michael's name let's live together as brothers and sisters and not die apart as fools."