Tito Jackson Experienced Medical Emergency Near New Mexico Mall Before Death

Tito Jackson experienced a medical emergency near a mall in Gallup, New Mexico, shortly before he passed away. According to a statement from the Gallup Police Department, Jackson died on Sunday, September 15, from what is believed to be a heart attack while he was driving from New Mexico to Oklahoma. He was 70 years old.

On September 16, the Gallup Police Department shared further details about Jackson’s death. At around 6:17 p.m. PT, an officer was flagged down near the American Heritage Plaza on U.S. Highway 491. The officer was alerted about a person in need of medical help and quickly called for an ambulance.

The police press release stated, “The individual was subsequently transported to a local hospital in Gallup, New Mexico, where he was pronounced dead. Following this, the hospital requested the presence of detectives and the Office of the Medical Investigator. The deceased was identified as 70-year-old Toriano ‘Tito’ Jackson from Tulsa, Oklahoma.”

Authorities have noted that their investigation is ongoing, with efforts currently focused on interviewing witnesses.

Earlier on Monday, Jackson’s sons—Taj, Taryll, and TJ, who are part of the pop group 3T—shared heartfelt tributes on Instagram. Tito had three children with his former wife, Delores “Dee Dee” Martes, who passed away in 1994.

“It’s with heavy hearts that we announce that our beloved father, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Tito Jackson is no longer with us,” they wrote alongside a selection of photos documenting their father’s life. “We are shocked, saddened, and heartbroken. Our father was an incredible man who cared about everyone and their well-being.”

They continued, “Some of you may know him as Tito Jackson from the legendary Jackson 5, some may know him as ‘Coach Tito,’ or some know him as ‘Poppa T.’ Nevertheless, he will be missed tremendously. It will forever be ‘Tito Time’ for us. Please remember to do what our father always preached, and that is, ‘Love One Another.’ We love you, Pops.”

Along with his three sons and grandchildren, Jackson is survived by his mother, Katherine, and siblings Rebbie, Jermaine, Randy, Marlon, Jackie, La Toya, and Janet Jackson.

Before his death, Tito Jackson was actively touring in Europe with his brothers Marlon and Jackie as part of The Jacksons. During a visit to Munich, Germany, he paid tribute to their late brother, Michael Jackson, in an Instagram post on September 11.

In the post, he shared, “Before our show in Munich, my brothers Jackie, Marlon, and I visited the beautiful memorial dedicated to our beloved brother, Michael Jackson. We’re deeply grateful for this special place that honors not only his memory but also our shared legacy. Thank you for keeping his spirit alive.”

The legacy of Tito Jackson, an original member of the iconic Jackson 5, will undoubtedly live on through his music and the cherished memories held by his family and fans. His untimely passing is a significant loss to the music world and those who loved him.