Tito Jackson died of a heart attack in a New Mexico shopping mall after stopping en route to Oklahoma, where he had recently moved.
The Jackson 5 founder died Sunday while driving from New Mexico to Oklahoma, where he recently moved.
Steve Manning, a friend of the Jackson family and former manager, confirmed that the 70-year-old suffered a heart attack while driving.
In the meantime, Jackson’s remains are under the jurisdiction of the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator.
An autopsy is still pending as the coroner waits for Jackson’s remains to be transported to Albuquerque, where the examination will take place, said Chris Ramirez, spokesman for the coroner’s office.
Gallup, New Mexico police told DailyMail.com that a passerby flagged down officers at the American Heritage Plaza shopping center at 6:17 p.m. on Sunday because someone needed medical attention.
Tito Jackson’s remains will remain in New Mexico, where an autopsy will be performed on his behavior and cause of 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 died
Police identified the man as Jackson, who was transported in an ambulance to a local hospital in Gallup. He was later pronounced dead.
According to Jackson, he moved from California to rural Claremore, OK earlier this year. Tulsa World.
He told the publication he had found “the peace he was looking for” in the town of about 20,000, located at the foot of the Ozark Mountains.
“I always wanted to get away from the West Coast and live 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 had roots in the nearby city of Tulsa, where his uncle Samuel Jackson ran a venture firm in 1917.
Jackson said his uncle’s business burned down in the Tulsa Massacre of 1921, but they were able to rebuild the funeral home.
Jackson was recently in Munich preparing for 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 him visiting a memorial for his late brother Michael Jackson in Munich, Germany
Tito toured the world as part of the iconic quintet Jackson 5, which was 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 in honor of 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 legacy. Thank you for keeping his spirit alive.”
Tito is survived by his three sons Taj, 41, Taryll, 39, and TJ, 46 – who was in band 3T – and nine grandchildren.
Tito’s sons shared poignant photos and an emotional tribute to their father, writing: ‘It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved father, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Tito Jackson.
“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” or still others as “Poppa T.”
“We will miss him so much though. It will always be ‘Tito Time’ for us. Remember to do what our dad always preached and that is ‘Love one another.’ We love you, Dad. Your boys, Taj, Taryll and TJ.”