London, June 28 Michael Jackson's family has said that the loss of the King of Pop has left them "speechless and devastated".

The legend's father Joe Jackson has come out with a statement describing days following the death as " one of the darkest moments of our lives", Sky News reports.

The statement goes: "Our beloved son, brother and father of three children has gone so unexpectedly, in such a tragic way and much too soon.

"It leaves us, his family, speechless and devastated to a point, where communication with the outside world seems almost impossible at times.

"We miss Michael endlessly, our pain cannot be described in words."

The Jacksons are currently gathered at Michael's brother Jermaine's house for the funeral arrangements and also to decide on the future of the singer's three children.

The family also advised the singer's fans to not despair.

"Michael would not want us to give up now. Please do not despair, because Michael will continue to live on in each and every one of you.

"Continue to spread his message, because that is what he would want you to do. Carry on, so his legacy will live forever," the statement said.

Meanwhile, the family has reportedly requested for a second post-mortem to get to the truth behind his sudden death.

"We have called for an independent autopsy, we cannot just depend on the state," family friend Rev Jesse Jackson said.

He added: "It should be independent and verifiable and it should be done quickly.

"The longer we wait the more anxiety there is about the matter. It deserves real priority." (ANI)