Michael Jackson's Burial At Neverland Ranch Still A Possibility
Written by MTV News
Friday, 10 July 2009
State officials tell singer's family that he could be buried at his former home as long as the county approves. By MTV News staff
Neverland Ranch Photo: CBS News
While the location of Michael Jackson's burial is still up in the air, state officials have told the late singer's family that it might be possible to bury him at Neverland Ranch, according to CNN.
The final decision rests with Santa Barbara County, where the ranch is located, and the Jacksons. County officials said on Thursday (July 9) that the family had not approached them about burying Michael on the sprawling Los Olivos, California, property. State officials, however, were contacted by a lawyer for the Jackson family about the possibility, Amanda Fulkerson of California's State and Consumer Services Agency told CNN.
Besides approval from the county, the family would also need a certificate of authority from the state Cemetery and Funeral Bureau, which can be obtained by filling out a two-page application and paying $400. While Jermaine Jackson told CNN he's in favor of burying his brother at Neverland, their father, Joe, said he's against the site.
Michael Jackson bought the 2,500-acre property in 1988 at the age of 29. He ordered the construction of an amusement park with a roller coaster and Ferris wheel, a railroad, a movie theater, stables, an arcade and a zoo, complete with elephants, giraffes, chimpanzees, crocodiles, snakes and a bear. In total, there are 22 buildings on the land, including a mansion, guesthouses and several apartments. The upkeep was reported to be as high as $5 million per year.
In 2006, California authorities ordered the closure of Neverland and fined Jackson following his failure to pay staff and renew insurance policies. By last year, Jackson's financial situation had deteriorated to the point where Neverland was set to be sold as a result of missed payments on a $24.5 million loan. A last-minute deal with a real estate investment firm prevented the compound from being auctioned off. The company, Colony Capital LLC, placed the title for the property into a joint venture with Mr. Jackson. The amusement-park rides, railroad and zoo were all removed after Jackson's departure.
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