As the world grieves the loss of Tito Jackson, a founding member of the Jackson 5, authorities have confirmed that he passed away following a medical episode in Gallup, New Mexico, on the evening of Sept. 15.

A statement released on Sept. 16 by the Gallup Police Department details the events leading up to Jackson’s death. According to their statement, at approximately 6:17 p.m., an officer was flagged down near the American Heritage Plaza after someone alerted them to an individual requiring immediate medical attention.

Jackson was transported to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. The police’s preliminary investigation is ongoing.

The full statement posted to Gallup Police Department‘s social media account reads:

“On September 15, 2024, at 6:17 p.m., an officer from the Gallup Police Department was flagged down near the American Heritage Plaza located at 702 US Highway 491. The officer was alerted to an individual requiring medical attention and promptly requested an ambulance.

The individual was subsequently transported to a local hospital in Gallup, NM, where he was pronounced dead. Following this, the hospital requested the presence of detectives and the Office of the Medical Investigator. The deceased has been identified as 70-year-old Toriano ‘Tito’ Jackson from Tulsa, Oklahoma.

This information is derived from a preliminary investigation that is still 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 gathered and analyzed.”

While an official cause of death is yet to be revealed, according to initial reports from Entertainment Tonight, Steve Manning, a longtime Jackson family friend an former manager, revealed that Tito is believed to have suffered a heart attack while driving from New Mexico to Oklahoma. 

As the Jackson family grieves this monumental loss, Tito’s sons—TJ, Taj, and Taryll—paid a heartfelt tribute to their father on Instagram, expressing their profound sorrow. They shared:

“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. 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 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.”

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

Tito was an integral part of the Jackson family’s musical dynasty. He, along with his brothers Michael, Jermaine, Marlon, and Jackie, 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.”

Beyond his work with The Jackson 5, Tito pursued a solo career, releasing his debut album Tito Time in 2016. His single “Get It Baby” reached No. 19 on the Billboard Adult R&B Airplay chart.

Tito’s passing follows the deaths of his younger brother Michael Jackson in 2009 and their father Joe Jackson, the family patriarch and early manager of The Jackson 5, who passed away in 2018 at the age of 89.