Tito Jackson died of a heart attack at a New Mexico shopping mall after stopping while driving to Oklahoma, where he had recently moved.
The founding member of the Jackson 5 died Sunday while driving from New Mexico to Oklahoma, where he recently moved.
Jackson’s family friend and former manager Steve Manning confirmed the 70-year-old suffered a heart attack while driving.
In the meantime, Jackson’s remains will be under the jurisdiction of the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator.
An autopsy has not yet been performed as the medical examiner waits for Jackson’s remains to be transported to Albuquerque, where the examination will be performed, said Chris Ramirez, a spokesman for the medical examiner’s office.
Gallup police in New Mexico told DailyMail.com that a passerby called police at 6:17 p.m. Sunday at the American Heritage Plaza shopping center because a person needed medical attention.
Tito Jackson’s remains will remain in New Mexico, where an autopsy will be performed to determine the manner and cause of his death. The singer died Sunday while driving from New Mexico to Oklahoma.
Tito Jackson had just returned from a tour of Europe with his brothers when he passed away.
Police identified the man as Jackson, who was taken by ambulance to a local hospital in Gallup. He was later pronounced dead.
Jackson had moved from California to rural Claremore, Oklahoma, earlier this year, according to Tulsa World.
He told the publication he “found the peace he was looking for” in the small town of about 20,000 people, which sits in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains.
“I always wanted to get away from the West Coast and experience life somewhere with new people and new culture,” Jackson said.
Jackson said moving to Claremont gave him the opportunity to fish whenever he wanted. The singer also revealed that his family had roots in nearby Tulsa, where his uncle Samuel Jackson ran a funeral home in 1917.
Jackson said his uncle’s business burned down during the Tulsa Race Massacre in 1921, but they were able to rebuild the funeral home.
Jackson was recently in Munich ahead of a performance by the current lineup of The Jacksons, which also includes brothers Jackie and Marlon Jackson.
Just four days before this death, Tito shared an image of himself visiting a memorial for his late brother Michael Jackson in Munich, Germany.
Tito toured the world as part of the iconic Jackson 5 quintet, led by his younger brother Michael and his siblings Jackie, Jermaine and Marlon Jackson.
Just four days before his death, Jackson shared a photograph of himself and his siblings visiting a memorial in Munich dedicated to his younger brother and King of Pop, Michael.
In the touching caption, Tito wrote: “We are deeply grateful for this special place that honors not only his memory but also our shared legacy. Thank you for keeping his spirit alive.”
Tito is survived by his three children Taj, 41, Taryll, 39, and TJ, 46, who were in the band 3T, and nine grandchildren.
Tito’s children shared touching snaps and an emotional tribute to their father, writing: ‘It is with great sadness that we announce that our beloved father, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Tito Jackson, is no longer with us.
We are shocked, saddened and heartbroken. Our father was an amazing man who cared about everyone and their well-being.
‘Some of you may know him as Tito Jackson of the legendary Jackson 5, some may know him as “Coach Tito” or some know him as “Poppa T.”
‘However, we will miss him dearly. He will always be Tito’s time for us. Please remember to do what our father always preached: “Love one another.” We love you, Dad. Your children, Taj, Taryll and TJ.’
