By Abigail Holliday
Staff Writer
Famous singer, guitarist and original member of the Jackson 5, Toriano “Tito” Jackson, has died at age 70 from a heart attack.
According to the Los Angeles Times, the Gallup Police Department in New Mexico stated an officer was called to assist in a medical emergency outside of the American Heritage Plaza. The individual, now identified as Jackson, was transported to a hospital in Gallup and was later pronounced dead.
An investigation is underway including a toxicology report, which screens blood and urine to identify any possible drugs, medication or poison, as well as a histopathology report, which samples tissue to identify any possible diseases. No foul play is suspected at this time.
A representative for Janet Jackson, Jackson's sister, released a statement that he died from a heart attack while traveling to Oklahoma from New Mexico, according to the New York Times.
Jackson was part of the famous Jackson family and brother to legends Michael and Janet, in addition to Jermaine, Sigmund “Jackie,” Marlon, Randy, La Toya and Rebbie.
Jackson rose to fame when he was 15 years old as a part of the music group Jackson 5 beside his brothers. Known for their pop, soul and R&B music, and famous for songs like “I Want You Back,” the siblings quickly rose to No. 1 on the charts and were even inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997, according to the Motown Museum.
In addition to being a part of the Jackson 5, Jackson also embarked on a solo career of his own in 2003 as a blues guitarist. He released a solo album in 2016, titled “Tito Time,” including songs written by his sons.
Jackson leaves behind three sons, Tariano “Taj,” Taryll and Tito Joe “TJ” Jackson, who followed in their father’s footsteps and formed a music group called “3T.”
3T issued a statement following the death of their father on the band’s official Instagram page:
“Our father was an incredible man who cared about everyone and their well-being. 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,’" the statement read. "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.”
