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Family "feared for Michael Jackson's health"

Updated on 10 July 2009

Source ITN

Michael Jackson's family feared for his health and believed he was abusing painkillers, according to reports.

Sources said Janet Jackson tried to stage an intervention two years ago to confront her superstar brother over his alleged reliance on prescription drugs.

The claims come as the Los Angeles County coroner's office reportedly issued subpoenas for medical files from several doctors who treated the singer, whose sudden death two weeks ago remains shrouded in mystery.

One of the subpoenas was served on Jackson's longtime dermatologist Arnold Klein, according to the attorney for the Beverly Hills doctor.

Klein's lawyer Richard Charnley was quoted as saying: "It was a standard form subpoena and we turned over medical records to the medical examiner in response."

Dr Klein appeared on the US TV show "Good Morning America" earlier this week to deny giving Jackson dangerous sedatives such as Diprivan, which was reportedly found inside the rented home where the pop singer was found unconscious on June 25. He died later that day at a nearby hospital, aged 50.

No cause of death has yet been given, pending the results of toxicology tests, which usually take about six weeks. Two days after Jackson's public memorial service, the location of his body is unknown.

There is speculation the star's family are planning to have him buried at his Neverland ranch in California and are seeking permission from the authorities.

© Independent Television News Limited 2009. All rights reserved.

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