Tito Jackson, the iconic singer known for his work with The Jackson Five and The Jacksons, was reported to have experienced a medical emergency shortly before his death on September 15, 2024. According to a statement from the Gallup Police Department, Jackson suffered a critical incident near the American Heritage Plaza Mall in Gallup, New Mexico. He was quickly transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
While the exact cause of his death remains unconfirmed, former manager Steve Manning has indicated that Jackson, 70, may have suffered a heart attack while en route from New Mexico to Oklahoma. Following the announcement of his passing, Jackson's sons—TJ, Taj, and Taryll—expressed their grief on Instagram, describing their father as a loving individual who cared deeply for others. Additionally, former Jackson Five drummer Jonathan Sugarfoot Moffett shared his sorrow on social media, stating, "I'm stunned and devastated to receive and hear this disheartening news."
Tito Jackson was an influential figure in the music industry, emerging as a founding member of The Jackson Five alongside brothers Jackie, Marlon, Jermaine, and Randy. His contributions continued with The Jacksons after the group rebranded post-Michael Jackson's rise to mega-stardom. The Jacksons had played their last show just five days prior to Tito's death on September 10, 2024. Jackson was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the group in 1997, and he released his solo album, ‘Under Your Spell’, in 2021. Investigations into the circumstances surrounding his passing are ongoing as authorities interview witnesses and review evidence.