Toriano Adaryll "Tito" Jackson, one of the brothers who made up the famous group the Jackson 5, died while he was traveling through New Mexico on his way home to Tulsa, OK. He suffered an alleged heart attack and later died at a local hospital.
On Sept. 15, around 6:15 pm, a Gallup Police Officer was flagged down near the American Heritage Plaza located at 702 U.S. Hwy. 791. The officer was informed that a man needed immediate medical attention. The man was identified as Jackson, 70.
Jackson was transported via ambulance to a local hospital, where he later died.
In a press release published on Sept. 16 the Gallup Police stated that investigation into Jackson’s death was still ongoing. Investigators are currently interviewing witnesses.
TITO'S LEGACY
The Jackson 5 rose to fame in the late ‘60s and ‘70s. The five brothers began their music careers by performing at school events and talent shows when Tito was only 12.
In 1969, the group signed with Motown Records, and they soon had multiple hit songs under their belts, such as “ABC,” “I Want You Back,” “The Love You Save” and “I’ll Be There.” Tito’s younger brother Michael was the lead singer of the group.
The brothers were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997.
Tito began his solo career in 2003, performing in a variety of clubs with his band. In 2016, he had his first commercially successful solo single on the Billboard charts with the single, "Get It Baby," featuring Big Daddy Kane from his album Tito Time, becoming the ninth and final Jackson family sibling to place a solo single on the charts.
His three sons, Taj T.J., and Taryll posted on Instagram on Sept. 15 mourning their father’s death. The three men have their own music group called 3T.
“We are shocked, saddened and heartbroken,” the three sons said in a joint statement. “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.”
Besides his three sons and grandchildren, Tito leaves behind his mother, Katherine Jackson, and siblings Rebbie, Jermaine, Randy, Marlon, Jackie, La Toya and Janet Jackson. Katherine and the late Joe Jackson had 10 kids. Tito was their third child.
Prior to his death, Tito had been touring Europe with brothers Jackie and Marlon as the Jacksons and had shows in Scotland, California and England over the summer of 2024.
On Sept. 11 he posted on Facebook from Munich, Germany, where he visited a memorial for his late brother Michael.
“Before our show in Munich, my brothers Jackie, Marlon, and I, visited the beautiful memorial dedicated to our beloved brother, Michael Jackson,” Tito said. “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’s death comes over 15 years after brother Michael passed away at 50 in 2009.
The “Thriller” singer died from acute propofol intoxication. The King of Pop’s physician, Dr. Conrad Murray, was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in 2011 for giving him dangerous levels of the anesthetic propofol and other sedatives.
