As the world mourns the loss of Tito Jackson, a founding member of the Jackson 5, authorities have confirmed that he died on the evening of September 15 as a result of a medical incident in Gallup, New Mexico.

A statement from Gallup Police released on September 16 describes the events that led to Jackson’s death. According to their statement, at around 6:17 p.m., an officer was stopped near the American Heritage Plaza after someone alerted them to a person who needed immediate medical attention.

Jackson was taken to a local hospital where he was later pronounced dead. The preliminary police investigation is ongoing.

The full statement, posted on the Gallup Police Department’s social media account, reads:

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

The deceased was subsequently transported to a local hospital in Gallup, NM, where he was pronounced dead. The hospital then requested the attendance of detectives and the medical examiner’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 examining both physical and electronic records. The Department’s understanding of the facts and circumstances may evolve as additional evidence is collected and analyzed.”

An official cause of death has not yet been determined, according to initial reports from Entertainment tonightSteve Manning, a longtime friend of the Jackson family and former manager, announced that Tito probably suffered a heart attack while driving from New Mexico to Oklahoma.

As the Jackson family mourns this tremendous loss, Tito’s sons – TJ, Taj and Taryll – paid tribute to their father on Instagram and expressed their deepest sorrow. They shared:

“It is with heavy hearts that we announce that our beloved father, Rock & 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 about everyone and their well-being.”

The statement continued: “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’. However, he will be greatly missed. For us, it will always be ‘Tito Time’. Please remember to do what our father always preached and that is ‘Love one another’. We love you, Pops.”

The statement ended with a personal note signed by his three sons:
“Your boys, Taj, Taryll and TJ.”

Tito was an integral part of the Jackson family music dynasty. Along with his brothers Michael, Jermaine, Marlon and Jackie, he formed The Jackson 5 in the 1960s. Their debut single, “I Want You Back,” became an instant sensation, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, as did their subsequent hits, “ABC” and “I’ll Be There.”

In addition to his work with The Jackson 5, Tito pursued a solo career and released his debut album Tito era in 2016. His single “Get It Baby” reached number 19 on the Billboard Adult R&B Airplay chart.

Tito’s death follows that of his younger brother Michael Jackson in 2009 and their father Joe Jackson, the family patriarch and former manager of the Jackson 5, who died in 2018 at the age of 89.