BREAKING: Rodney King Dead at 47

Rialito, CA -- Rodney King, the man whose videotaped beating by police in 1991 sparked the Los Angeles riots after the officers were acquitted, has died at the age of 47.  According to multiple national media outlets, a publicist confirmed King's death this morning.

Celebrity tabloid site TMZ was first on the story, though it had only been attributing the news to unnamed sources.  Not long after, CBS Los Angeles and CNN had reports of confirmation from King's publicist.

King was reportedly found in the bottom of a swimming pool.  Police aren't saying yet if the death appears to be accidental or suspicious.

After the first couple days of the Los Angeles riots, King came out of seclusion to make an appeal for peace, asking rioters, "can we all get along?" [Video]