The Day Miami Learned Michael Jackson Had Died

Only in Miami does a quiet historic graveyard become forever linked to the King of Pop.

If you’ve ever asked a local tour guide to see the “Michael Jackson cemetery,” they’d point you straight to the Coconut Grove Bahamian Cemetery (also known as Charlotte Jane Memorial Park at 3575 South Douglas Road, Miami, FL 33133). Locals have long tied it to MJ because parts of his legendary 1983 “Thriller” music video were filmed here.

To set the record straight: The full zombie dance sequence was shot inside an old meatpacking plant in East Los Angeles. But the director’s second-unit crew did capture atmospheric B-roll at this very spot—the eerie, palm-shaded crypts and above-ground tombs gave the perfect spooky vibe. Since then, this peaceful little cemetery has carried an extra layer of pop-culture magic.

The cemetery itself is a hidden gem on our Miami To The Max Tour (and a favorite stop for visitors wanting real Miami history). We sneak in via the scenic back way down Loquat Avenue—the same leafy street where Coconut Grove’s old hippie crowd used to live.

Here’s how we narrate it on the tour:

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The video above was filmed the very next day—June 26, 2009—capturing that raw emotion: quiet reverence, scattered flowers, and a sudden sense that this little-known cemetery had become an impromptu pilgrimage site.

Rest in peace, Michael. Your music lives forever—and this quiet corner of Coconut Grove will always be a special place to remember you.

The Day Miami Learned Michael Jackson Had Died

Michael Jackson passed away on June 25, 2009, at age 50 from cardiac arrest due to acute propofol intoxication. The news hit like a shockwave—first rumors of hospitalization, then the official confirmation from UCLA Medical Center. Within hours, every TV station, radio station, and street corner in Miami was talking about it.

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The local TV news crews were out in full force that day, eager to capture how everyday Miamians were reacting—so here are a couple of quick, heartfelt interviews they got with some of our passengers right at the cemetery.

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The Spanish-langauge TV stations were also there interviewing our guests.

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The city mourned with disbelief, grief, and celebration of his legacy. Radio stations ran MJ marathons; bars and clubs played “Beat It” and “Thriller” in memoriam. For Miamians who grew up with his music in the 80s and 90s, it felt like losing a piece of their youth.

Want to Visit the Cemetery?

Call The Miami Tour Company at (305) 260-6855 and let us show you around!

Prefer to drive yourself? The cemetery is at 3575 South Douglas Road, Miami, FL 33133 (Coconut Grove).

The Coconut Grove Bahamian Cemetery (Charlotte Jane Memorial Park) remains a peaceful, historic site and a quiet nod to Miami’s past. It still draws occasional visitors paying respects to Michael Jackson, especially around anniversaries of his passing or “Thriller” milestones. The above-ground crypts, palm trees, and serene atmosphere haven’t changed much—though the surrounding neighborhood has seen some gentrification. It’s open to the public during daylight hours; respectful behavior is always appreciated. If you’re in Miami and want to feel a piece of pop-culture history mixed with real local roots, it’s still worth the detour.

‍Editor’s Note: Originally published June 28, 2009. Updated in 2026 with current details.