Michael Jackson’s older brother Tito has died just days after paying his last respects to the King of Pop and thanking his fans for keeping his spirit alive.

The Jackson family was shocked by the death of the 70-year-old, who may have suffered a heart attack on Sunday while driving from New Mexico to Oklahoma, a friend told Entertainment Tonight. The official cause of death has not yet been determined.

Six days earlier, Tito, a founding member of the Jackson 5, had visited a memorial for Michael before a performance by the Jacksons, which also featured brothers Marlon and Jackie.

“We are deeply grateful for this special place that honors not only his memory but our shared legacy. Thank you for keeping his spirit alive,” Tito wrote in his last Instagram post.

thriller Singer Michael died of cardiac arrest on June 25, 2009 at the age of 50.

Tito was the third oldest of the nine Jackson siblings, which also included Michael and Janet Jackson.

The guitarist and quiet man of the group seemed to be in good health before the tragedy. He leaves behind three sons and nine grandchildren.

The sons Taj (41), Taryll (39) and TJ (46) are in the band 3T and have paid tribute to their father: “We are shocked, sad and heartbroken. Our father was an incredible man who cared about everyone and their well-being.”

“Some of you may know him as Tito Jackson of the legendary Jackson 5, others may know him as ‘Coach Tito’ or still others may know him as ‘Poppa T,'” they added. “However, he will be missed terribly. 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. Your boys, Taj, Taryll and TJ.”

The original Jackson 5, which included Jermaine, had worldwide success with hits such as “I Want You Back” and “I’ll Be There” and were the springboard to superstardom for Michael and Janet.

Toriano Adaryll “Tito” Jackson, born Oct. 15, 1953, said he never “got over” the death of his little brother. “There are still moments when I just can’t believe it,” he told AP in 2009. “I don’t think that will ever go away. I don’t think we’ll ever get used to performing without him. He will be sorely missed.”

Tito is also survived by his mother Katherine, his brothers Jermaine, Randy, Marlon and Jackie, and his sisters Janet, Rebbie and La Toya. His father Joe, a former steelworker who founded the family group in Gary, Indiana, died in Las Vegas in 2018.