Michael Jackson’s former security chief has died at the age of 80.
Bill Bray, a former Los Angeles police officer, began working for the Jackson 5 in the early 1970s and soon became a father figure to the singer. He remained one of Jackson’s closest confidants until his retirement in the mid-1990s.
Jackson’s publicist, Raymone Bain, confirmed that Bray died on Tuesday.
"Michael is very, very, very saddened to learn of the passing of Bill Bray, who was a long-time friend and mentor to him and very trusted adviser to him," she said.
Bain said that Jackson, who is living in Bahrain, had spoken to members of Bray's family by telephone.
J. Randy Taraborelli, who authored a Jackson biography, said: "Bill was a father figure to all of the boys (in the Jackson 5) in the early days and when Michael struck out on his own, he became sort of a surrogate father to Michael."
MJJForum sends heartfelt condolences to Mr. Bray’s family and friends.
Source: Reuters/eMJey