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Tito Jackson.
Dominik Bindl/Getty ImagesTito Jackson He suffered a medical emergency near a shopping center in Gallup, New Mexico, just hours before his death, according to a news release from the Gallup Police Department.
Jackson, who died on Sunday, September 15, succumbed to a suspected heart attack while driving from New Mexico to Oklahoma. The original member of The Jackson 5 was 70 years old.
On Monday, September 16, Gallup Police released a statement with new details about Jackson’s death. At approximately 6:17 PM PT, an officer “was dispatched near the American Heritage Plaza, located at 702 US Highway 491. The officer was alerted to an individual in need of medical attention and immediately requested an ambulance.”
The press release continued: “The individual was then transported to a local hospital in Gallup, New Mexico, where he was pronounced dead. Following this, the hospital requested the presence of investigators and the Office of the Medical Examiner. The deceased has been identified as 70-year-old Toriano “Tito” Jackson of Tulsa Oklahoma.”
Michael Ochs Archive/Getty Images Joe and Katherine Jackson’s famous brood extended far beyond the Jackson 5. While the late Michael Jackson was perhaps the most famous member of the talented family, and his sister Janet a close second, most worked of their eight siblings in music and entertainment since childhood. Joe and Katherine – who […]
An investigation is “still ongoing” and investigators are “interviewing witnesses,” the department said.
Earlier Monday, Jackson’s sons Taj, Taryll And TJ Jacksonbest known as the pop group 3T, addressed their loss via Instagram. (Tito shared his three children with ex-wife Delores “Dee Dee” Marteswho died in 1994.)
“It is with heavy hearts that we announce that our beloved father, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Tito Jackson, is no longer with us,” the trio wrote alongside a series of photos spanning their father’s life. “We are shocked, saddened and heartbroken. Our father was an incredible man who cared about everyone and their well-being.”
“Some of you may know him as Tito Jackson from the legendary Jackson 5, some may know him as ‘Coach Tito’ or some may know him as ‘Poppa T.’ Still, he will be greatly missed. It will forever be ‘Tito Time’ for us,” they continued. “Please remember to do what our father always preached and that is ‘Love one another.’ We love you, daddy.”
Hollywood mourned many celebrities in 2024. Speed Racer star Christian Oliver (born Christian Klepser) died at the age of 51 in a fatal plane crash on January 5. Oliver was heading home from a Caribbean vacation with his two daughters — Madita and Annik, whom he shares with wife Jessica Klepser — on Jan. 4. […]
In addition to his three sons and grandchildren, Jackson is survived by his mother, Katherineand brothers and sisters Rebbie, Jermaine, Randy, Marlon, Jackie, La Toya And Janet Jackson.
Before his death, Tito toured Europe with Marlon and Jackie as The Jacksons. During a visit to Munich, Germany, he paid tribute to their late brother, Michael Jackson, via Instagram on Wednesday, September 11.
“Before our show in Munich, my brothers Jackie, Marlon and I visited the beautiful monument in honor of our beloved brother Michael Jackson,” he wrote alongside a photo of a memorial dedicated to the “Thriller” superstar. “We are deeply grateful for this special place that not only honors his memory, but also our shared legacy. Thank you for keeping his spirit alive.”