Tito Jackson died at the age of 70 on September 16, and his former manager has now confirmed the cause of death.
Steve Manning, who is also a family friend, said the founding member of Jackson 5 had a heart attack at a shopping mall.
The brother of the late Micheal Jackson was driving from New Mexico to Oklahoma when he stopped at the American Heritage Plaza shopping center.
An autopsy has not yet been conducted as the Medical Examiner is waiting for Jackson’s remains, which will be transported to Albuquerque in New Mexico. Here the examination will take place, spokesman for the medical investigator’s office Chris Ramirez has said.
His three children- Taj, 41, Taryll, 39, and TJ, 46, who were in the band 3T – shared a statement on social media following his passing.
‘It’s 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,’ they wrote.
‘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.”
‘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.’
People obtained a police press release that revealed at around 6:15 p.m. on Sunday in near Gallup, New Mexico, a police officer was informed there was ‘an individual requiring medical attention and promptly requested an ambulance’ near the American Heritage Plaza.
He was pronounced dead after arriving at a local hospital.
Tito was performing with Jackie Jackson and Marlon Jackson of the Jackson 5 and The Jacksons as recently as August.
He was the third eldest Jackson after Rebbie, 74, and Jackie, 73, and before Jermaine, 69, La Toya, 68, Marlon, 67 (whose twin brother Brandon died in childbirth) Brandon, 40, Michael – who died in 2009 – Randy, 68, and Janet, 58.
He had recently moved to the Claremore countryside in Oklahoma after living in California.
Jackson is survived by his three children, as well as nine grandchildren.
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