Tito Jackson suffered a medical emergency near a mall in Gallup, New Mexico, just hours before he died, according to a press release from the Gallup Police Department.
Jackson, who died on Sunday, September 15, died of a heart attack while driving from New Mexico to Oklahoma. The original members of The Jackson 5 are 70 years old.
On Monday, September 16, the Gallup Police Department issue a statement with new details on Jackson’s death. At approximately 6:17 pm PT, an officer “was alerted near the American Heritage Plaza located at 702 US Highway 491. The officer was alerted to a person requiring medical attention and immediately called for an ambulance.”
The press release continued, “The individual was then transported to a local hospital in Gallup, New Mexico, where he was later pronounced dead. Following this, the hospital requested the presence of detectives and the Office of the Medical Examiner. The deceased has been identified as 70-year-old Toriano ‘Tito’ Jackson from Tulsa Oklahoma.
The investigation is “still ongoing” and investigators are in the process of “interviewing witnesses,” the department said.
Before that, Jackson’s son Taj, Taryll and TJ Jacksonbest known as the pop group 3T, ono who lost through Instagram. (Tito shared three children with his ex-husband Delores “Dee Dee” Marteswho died in 1994.)
“It is with a heavy heart that we announce that our beloved father, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Tito Jackson is no longer with us,” the trio wrote along with photos of their father’s life. “We are shocked, saddened and heartbroken. Our father was an amazing person who cared about everyone and their well-being.
“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.’ However, he will be greatly missed. This will be ‘Tito Time’ for us,” he said. “Please remember to do what our father always preached which is ‘Love-Happiness.’ We love you Pops.”
In addition to three sons and a grandson, Jackson is survived by his mother, Catherineand brothers Rabbi, Jermaine, Randy, Marlon, Jackie, La Toya and Janet Jackson.
Before his death, Tito had toured Europe with Marlon and Jackie as The Jacksons. While visiting Munich, Germany, he honored his sister, Michael Jacksonvia Instagram on Wednesday, September 11.
“Before the show in Munich, Jackie’s brother, Marlon, and I visited the beautiful memorial dedicated to our beloved brother, Michael Jackson,” he captioned a photo of the memorial dedicated to the “Thriller” superstar. “We are very grateful for this special place that honors not only the memory but also the shared heritage. Thank you for keeping the spirit alive.”