Tito Jackson died from a heart attack at a mall in New Mexico after stopping while driving to Oklahoma, where hed recently moved.
The founding member of Jackson 5 died on Sunday as he was driving from New Mexico to Oklahoma, where he recently moved.
Steve Manning, the Jacksons family friend and former manager, confirmed the 70-year old had a heart attack as he was driving.
Jacksons remains will be under the jurisdiction of the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator in the meantime.
An autopsy has yet to be conducted while the Medical Examiner waits for Jacksons remains to be transported to Albuquerque, where the examination will be conducted, said Chris Ramirez, spokesman for the medical investigators office.
Gallup Police in New Mexico told DailyMail.com that a passerby flagged down cops on Sunday at 6:17 pm at the American Heritage Plaza shopping center because of an individual who required medical attention.
Tito Jacksons remains will remain in New Mexico where an autopsy will be conducted on his manner and cause of death. The singer died on Sunday as he was driving from New Mexico to Oklahoma
Tito Jackson had just returned from touring in Europe with his brothers when he passed away
Police identified the man as Jackson, who was transported in an ambulance to a local hospital in Gallup. He was later pronounced dead.
Jackson had moved out of California to the countryside of Claremore, OK earlier this year, according to Tulsa World.
He told the publication that he found the peace he was looking for in the small city of about 20,000 residents, which is located in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains.
I always wanted to get away from the West Coast and experience living somewhere with new people and new culture, Jackson said.
Jackson said moving to the Claremont afforded him the opportunity to fish whenever he wanted. The singer also revealed his family had some roots in nearby city of Tulsa, where his uncle Samuel Jackson ran an undertaking business in 1917.
Jackson said his uncles business was burned down during the Tulsa Race Massacre in 1921, but they were able to rebuild the funeral home.
Jackson was recently in Munich ahead of a performance by The Jacksons current line-up, also featuring brothers Jackie and Marlon Jackson.
Just four days before this death, Tito shared an image of him visiting a memorial for his late brother Michael Jackson in Munich, Germany
Tito toured the world as part of the iconic quintet Jackson 5, which was led by his younger brother Michael and brothers Jackie, Jermaine and Marlon Jackson
Just four days before his death, Jackson shared an picture of himself and his brothers visiting a memorial in Munich that was dedicated for their younger brother and King of Pop, Michael.
In the heartfelt caption, Tito wrote: Were deeply grateful for this special place that honors not only his memory but also our shared legacy. Thank you for keeping his spirit alive.
Tito is survived by his three sons Taj, 41, Taryll, 39, and TJ, 46 - who were in the band 3T - and nine grandchildren.
Titos sons shared poignant snaps and an emotional tribute to their father, writing: 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.
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. Your boys, Taj, Taryll and TJ.