Tito Jackson Suffered Medical Emergency Near New Mexico Mall Before Death, Police Say

The original member of The Jackson 5 was pronounced dead after being transported to a local hospital on Sunday, Sept. 15

Tito Jackson
Tito Jackson on September 5, 2017 in London, England. . Photo:

Gareth Cattermole/Getty

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

Around 6:15 p.m. on Sunday in Gallup, N.M., a Gallup Police Department officer was notified that was "an individual requiring medical attention and promptly requested an ambulance" near the American Heritage Plaza, per the GPD press release.

The individual was then transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Afterward, he was identified as Toriano "Tito" Jackson from Tulsa, Okla.

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

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

Dave J Hogan/Getty

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Siggy Jackson, Tito’s nephew and Jackie Jackson’s son previously confirmed Tito’s death to PEOPLE. Entertainment Tonight was the first to report the news.

Before his death, Tito had been performing with brothers Jackie Jackson and Marlon Jackson as The Jacksons, and had shows in Scotland, Calif., and England over the summer. They performed as recently as Sept. 8 in Surrey, England, and had appearances set for Oct. 25 in Atlantic City, N.J., and Nov. 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're 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 Jackson Is Looking to Prove Charles Barkley Wrong with Solo Album 'Tito Time'
Tito Jackson. Getty Images

The late musician was an original member of The Jackson 5, which also featured 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 have a solo career, releasing two studio albums: Tito Time in 2016 and Under Your Spell in 2021.

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

In a joint post with their band's Instagram account, Taj, TJ and Taryll wrote, “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," they 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.”

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