«DEATH MEANS A LOT OF MONEY, HONEY»

It's a grim reality of celebrity culture that the unexpected death of someone famous can send collectibles' prices soaring. On June 14, a vest worn by Michael Jackson in the 1970s sold for $519 in a Bonhams & Butterfields auction in Los Angeles.
"Somebody got a real deal," said Margaret Barrett, director of Bonhams' entertainment memorabilia department.
"Once people have passed away, the items become more valuable."

-LA Times
June 26 2009