Tito Jackson, a founding member of Jackson 5, has died aged 70.
The music world is mourning the loss of Michael Jackson’s sibling, Tito, who is said to have suffered a fatal heart attack while driving. An esteemed member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Tito was actively performing up until recently, having been seen on stage last August.
He joined Jackie and Marlon Jackson in entertaining fans at the Fool in Love Festival, which took place at Hollywood Park Grounds on August 31, 2024, in Inglewood, California.
News of his sudden death was conveyed by Entertainment Tonight, which cited Steve Manninga longtime friend and former manager of the Jackson familyas the source. According to Manning, Tito passed away on Sunday and it’s believed he was traveling from New Mexico to Oklahoma when the tragedy struck.
Jackson 5 was formed of the siblings (Image: GETTY)
Although the Jackson family hasn’t released an official statement yet, heartfelt tributes have started to appear online, reports the Mirror.
Former Jackson 5 drummer Jonathan ‘Sugarfoot’ Moffett expressed his deep sorrow on Facebook, writing: “There is great, great sadness in my heart, spirit, and soul tonight. My wife and I just left and walked out of a movie we were watching at a theater just now….as she received a text from a very close friend….that my brother in heart and spirit, Tito Jackson has just passed away.”
“I’m stunned and devastated to receive and hear this disheartening news. I love Tito like my brothers of blood relation. I’m stunned and dismayed. May God and Jesus Christ receive his soul and spirit with open out stretched arms and welcome him into Heaven’s gate…this is my most sincere prayer this night, this day, this month, and now….this year. I’m at a loss of spirits.”
He performed at a festival earlier this year (Image: Getty)