(BANG) -Michael Jackson "died three times" in the 18 months before he passed away. The pop icon reportedly put his life in danger several times before his ultimate death on June 25 from a suspected cardiac arrest. It has even been claimed Michael enjoyed the sensation of having his heart re-started.

A source told National Enquirer magazine: "I know there were at least three instances in the last 18 months where Michael literally died before either doctors or bodyguards were able to bring him back.

"I've heard there were at least two instances in 2008 and both involved prescription drugs. One time they had to pump his stomach and another time do CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation).

"Once, after doctors finally managed to wake him up, Michael said he had died and gone to heaven, and it felt good.

"Michael said it was the most exhilarating experience of his life, to have seen how things looked on the other side, then come back to Earth again.

"I'm told there was another time earlier this year when he appeared to flat line. In each incident, his heart stopped."

Although the events leading up to Michael's death remain unclear, there has been intense speculation he was misusing prescription drugs at the time of his passing.

According to reports, police are focusing their investigation on the 50-year-old singer's use of the anesthetic Propofol, which is used to put patients to sleep before surgery.

(C) BANG Media International