Michael Jackson's personal physician has chosen not to attend the singer's memorial service next week (07Jul09) - because he fears his presence will be too much for grieving fans and family members.
Dr. Conrad Murray was by Jackson's bedside when the King of Pop died on 25 June (09); he conducted CPR on the singer after finding him unconscious at his rented home in Holmby Hills, Los Angeles.
Police have questioned Murray about his treatment of Jackson.
The doctor has decided not to be a part of next week's tributes, stating he'll be "mourning in private".
His spokeswoman, Miranda Sevcik, tells People.com, "He (Murray) is in seclusion, not speaking even with family and friends, and won't attend the singer's memorial next week.
"He feels his presence would remind people of Michael Jackson's death, and the doctor would prefer that people remember his friend as he was in life."
Murray has declined to comment publicly on his care of Jackson, pending the outcome of toxicology tests.
Sevcik adds, "He is completely off the radar until the toxicology results are revealed."