WFAA-TV

Fans bought up Michael Jackson merchadise at Forever Young in Grand Prairie.

N. TEXAS REMEMBERS

Chris Hawes reports

More WFAA Latest News video

• View larger
• E-mail clip
• More video

Related links:

• 6/25: Michael Jackson dead at 50
• VIDEO: Michael Jackson: 1958-2009
• VIDEO: Ambulance at Jackson's home
• SLIDESHOW: The life of Michael Jackson
• 6/25: Actress Farrah Fawcett loses battle with cancer
• 6/25: Sky Saxon of '60s rock band the Seeds dies
• MORE: Entertainment reports

Search Video:

News of Michael Jackson's death at 50 pushed hundreds of North Texas fans to leave their homes Thursday.

Some joined a growing vigil while others went in search of Jackson records and even eight-track tapes.

News spread from friend to friend. From thinking it was a joke to tears, emotions spread as quickly as the news.

"Oh, I thought it was a joke," said one fan of when she heard the news.

After hearing the news, Carlett Williams said she grabbed family members and rushed to Forever Young in Grand Prairie eager to claim a piece of history.

"And I cried because I feel like I am bereaved," Williams said. "He was like one of the family.

Salaris Edwards bought everything he could find, including eight-track tapes.

"I used to dance around the house with that jacket on," he said of his memory of listening to "Beat It."

Those at Forever Young said they saw how quickly the news spread first-hand.

"People were in the door buying it within 10 minutes of it being announced," said one employee.

More people poured out their memories by calling radio stations like 106.1 KISS FM, which began Jackson tributes as soon as they heard the news.

Dozens gathered in Dallas to remember the "King of Pop" at a vigil held by K-104. Fans brought Jackson memorabilia such as books, posters and music. At nightfall, candles were lit and prayers were said.

Many danced as Jackson's music was played.

Jackson and his brothers brought their "Victory Tour" to Texas Stadium in 1984. About 40,000 people packed the stadium during three consecutive nights.

Jackson died at UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles. Ed Winter, the assistant chief coroner for Los Angeles County, confirmed his office had been notified of the death and would handle the investigation.

E-mail chawes@wfaa.com