Tito Jackson, one of the original members of the Jackson 5, died Sept. 15 after suffering a sudden medical emergency while shopping in New Mexico, according to a statement from the Gallup Police Department. He was 70.
On Sunday, September 15, at around 6.15 p.m., a Gallup Police officer responded to a call in the vicinity of the American Heritage Plaza about an American male who needed immediate medical assistance. According to People, when the necessary help arrived, the patient – identified as T. Jackson – was rushed to the nearest hospital. Later, he was pronounced dead.
The cause of Jackson’s death is still being investigated. According to the outlet, authorities are still gathering information from witnesses about the fatal accident. No official statement has yet been released about how he died.
Before his death, Tito was reportedly performing with his siblings, Jackie and Marlon, as members of The Jacksons. The band has performed on stage in Surrey, England on September 8. They also had plans to perform other shows in various cities in the US. They had planned to perform in Atlantic City, NJ and Cincinnati in October and November.
Just days before his passing, Tito paid his final tribute to his late brother, the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, in Munich, Germany. He wrote on Facebook, “We are so grateful for this special place that honors not only his memory but also our shared legacy. Thank you for keeping his spirit alive.”
Tito Jackson achieved international success together with his siblings – Michael, Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon, and later Randy Jackson – as The Jackson 5. The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997 and also earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Tito has also achieved individual success in his solo career with two albums – Tito Time in 2016 and Under Your Spell in the year 2021.
Tito Jackson’s children Taj, TJ and Taryll, known as the 3T’s, expressed their memories and emotional feelings through social media. They wrote about their immense grief and shock after learning about their father’s death. Tributes started pouring in after the news broke.
“Some of you may know him as Tito Jackson of the legendary Jackson 5, some may know him as ‘Coach Tito’ or some may know him as ‘Poppa T.’ Either way, he will be greatly missed. It will always be ‘Tito Time’ for us. Please remember what our dad always preached and that is ‘Love one another.’ We love you, Papa,” he wrote in the caption.
In the tribute post, he described Tito as a kind person who influenced the lives of so many people. He also stressed that his legacy will be indelible.
Also read: Michael Jackson’s mother Katherine’s challenge rejected, court approves sale of King of Pop’s catalog to Sony Music for $600 million
