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Tito Jackson suffered a medical emergency near a shopping mall before he died, police say
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Tito Jackson suffered a medical emergency near a shopping mall before he died, police say

Tito Jackson, who died Sunday, Sept. 15, at age 70, suffered a medical emergency earlier that evening at a New Mexico shopping mall, according to a Gallup Police Department press release obtained by PEOPLE.

On Sunday at approximately 6:15 p.m., a Gallup Police Department officer in Gallup, N.M., received a report of “an individual in need of medical attention and immediate emergency medical assistance” near the American Heritage Plaza, according to a GPD press release.

The individual was then transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. He was subsequently identified as Toriano “Tito” Jackson of Tulsa, Okla.

A cause of death was not listed in the police report. The preliminary investigation into Jackson’s death is ongoing. Witnesses are still being interviewed and investigators are still examining both physical and electronic evidence.

Tito Jackson on October 9, 2017 in London, England.

Dave J Hogan/Getty


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Siggy Jackson, Tito’s cousin and Jackie Jackson’s son, previously confirmed Tito’s death to PEOPLE. Entertainment tonight was the first to break the news.

Before his death, Tito performed with brothers Jackie Jackson and Marlon Jackson as The Jacksons, and had shows in Scotland, California, and England over the summer. They performed in Surrey, England, on September 8, and had shows scheduled for October 25 in Atlantic City, N.J., and November 1 in Cincinnati.

While Tito was in Munich, Germany with The Jacksons earlier this week, the brothers visited “the beautiful memorial dedicated to our beloved brother, Michael Jackson,” Tito wrote on Facebook. “We are so grateful for this special place that not only honors his memory, but our shared legacy. Thank you for keeping his spirit alive.”

Tito Jackson.
Getty Images

The late musician was an original member of The Jackson 5, which also included Michael, Jackie, Jermaine Jackson, and Marlon (and later Randy Jackson). The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997 and was also honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Tito went on to pursue a solo career and released two studio albums: Tito Time in 2016 and Under Your Spell in 2021.

His three sons, Taj, TJ and Taryll, posted a tribute to their father on September 15. Tito also managed the trio’s band, 3T.

In a joint post on their band’s Instagram account, Taj, TJ and Taryll wrote, “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved father, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Tito Jackson. We are shocked, saddened and heartbroken.”

“Our father was an incredible man who cared about everyone and their well-being,” they continued. “Some of you may know him as Tito Jackson of the legendary Jackson 5, some may know him as ‘Coach Tito’ or some may know him as ‘Poppa T.’ Regardless, we will miss him dearly. It will always be ‘Tito Time’ for us. Remember to do what our father always preached and that is ‘Love one another.’ We love you, Pops.”