LOS ANGELES--The family of Michael Jackson claimed the body of the late pop star late Friday following an autopsy earlier in the day, Los Angeles County coroner's spokesman Ed Winter said.

Jackson's family removed the singer's body at around 9pm (0400 GMT), eluding hordes of camera crews and photographers. There was no immediate indication of where Jackson's body was being moved to.

No information regarding funeral arrangements has been released.

Jackson died Thursday after apparently suffering a cardiac arrest at his rented mansion in Beverly Hills, sending shockwaves through the music world and triggering a global outpouring of grief.