Tito Jackson died of a heart attack in a New Mexico shopping mall after stopping on his way to Oklahoma, where he had recently moved.
The founding member of the Jackson 5 died on Sunday while driving from New Mexico to Oklahoma, where he had recently moved.
Steve Manning, a friend of the Jackson family and former manager, confirmed that the 70-year-old suffered a heart attack during the car ride.
Jackson’s remains are currently under the jurisdiction of the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator.
An autopsy has yet to be performed while the medical examiner waits for Jackson’s remains to be transported to Albuquerque for an autopsy, said Chris Ramirez, spokesman for the medical examiner’s office.
Gallup Police in New Mexico told DailyMail.com that a passerby flagged down police at the American Heritage Plaza shopping center at 6:17 p.m. on Sunday 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 on Sunday while driving from New Mexico to Oklahoma.
Tito Jackson had just returned from a European tour with his brothers when he died
Police identified the man as Jackson, who was taken by ambulance to a local hospital in Gallup. He was later pronounced dead.
According to the Tulsa World, Jackson moved from California to the rural area of Claremore, Oklahoma, earlier this year.
He told the publication that he had “found the peace he was looking for” in the small town of about 20,000 residents, which lies in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains.
“I always wanted to get away from the West Coast and experience living somewhere with new people and a 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 has roots in the nearby city of 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 the funeral home was rebuilt.
Jackson was recently in Munich ahead of a performance by the current line-up of the Jacksons, which also includes brothers Jackie and Marlon Jackson.
Just four days before his death, Tito shared a photo of himself visiting a memorial for his late brother Michael Jackson in Munich.
Tito toured the world as part of the legendary quintet Jackson 5, led by his younger brother Michael and brothers Jackie, Jermaine and Marlon Jackson.
Just four days before his death, Jackson shared a photo of himself and his brothers visiting a memorial in Munich dedicated to their younger brother and King of Pop Michael.
In the heartfelt caption, Tito wrote: “We are deeply grateful for this special place that honors not only his memory but our shared heritage. Thank you for keeping his spirit alive.”
Tito leaves behind his three sons Taj, 41, Taryll, 39, and TJ, 46 – who were in the band 3T – and nine grandchildren.
Tito’s sons shared poignant snaps and an emotional tribute to their father, writing: “It is with heavy hearts 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 incredible man who cared about everyone and their well-being.”
“Some of you may know him as Tito Jackson of the legendary Jackson 5, others may know him as “Coach Tito” and others as “Poppa T.”
“Still, he will be missed terribly. For us, it will always be ‘Tito time.’ Please remember to do what our father always preached, and that is ‘Love one another.’ We love you, Pops. Your boys, Taj, Taryll and TJ.”
