Tito Jackson: Cause of death one step closer

The (music) world is still mourning the loss of Tito Jackson, a founding member of the Jackson 5 and later The Jacksons. Meanwhile, authorities have confirmed that the 70-year-old died on the evening of September 15 in Gallup, New Mexico, as a result of a medical incident. This “medical incident” has not yet been specified.

A statement released by the Gallup Police Department on September 16 describes the events leading to Jackson's death in some detail. The officer is said to have stopped near the American Heritage Plaza at around 6:17 p.m. after someone alerted him to a person who required immediate medical attention.

Gallup Police Department:

”

On September 15, 2024, at 6:17 p.m., a Gallup Police Department officer was flagged down near the American Heritage Plaza, 702 US Highway 491. The officer was alerted to a person requiring medical attention and immediately requested an ambulance.

The individual was subsequently transported to a local hospital in Gallup, NM, where he was declared OK.

Preliminary investigation, which is not yet completed

The hospital then requested the presence of detectives and the medical investigator's office.

The deceased was identified as 70-year-old Toriano “Tito” Jackson of Tulsa, Oklahoma.

This information comes from a preliminary investigation that is ongoing. Investigators are actively interviewing witnesses and reviewing both physical and electronic records. The agency's findings of fact and otherwise are subject to change as additional evidence is collected and evaluated.”

Cause of death: heart attack?

The official cause of death is also not yet known. Steve Manning, a longtime friend and former manager of the Jackson family, has a theory, according to Entertainment Tonight. He says Tito probably suffered a heart attack while driving from New Mexico to Oklahoma.

Tito Jackson's death was first announced by his three sons, who also make music as the group 3T. They said: “It is with heavy hearts that we announce that our beloved father, Rock 'n' 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 for the well-being of all people.”

With him, another Jackson Five member died

Tito Jackson was born on October 15, 1953 in Gary, Indiana, as the third child of nine Jackson offspring. He later became part of the Jackson Five. There he worked primarily as a background singer and guitarist. In 2011 he released his first solo album, “So Far, So Good”, and ten years later the second followed – “Under Your Spell”.

The US musician leaves behind three children.