Late Jackson 5 member Tito Jackson suffered a medical emergency in New Mexico prior to his death.
An officer from the Gallup Police Department was "alerted to an individual requiring medical attention" on Sunday evening, according to a Monday press release from GPD. The officer subsequently requested an ambulance for the individual, who was later identified as Jackson.
Jackson was then transferred to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival. Details on Jackson's condition leading up to his hospitalization were not disclosed.
"This information is derived from a preliminary investigation that is still ongoing," the release states. "Investigators are actively interviewing witnesses and examining both physical and electronic records. The department's understanding of the facts and circumstances may evolve as additional evidence is gathered and analyzed."
Tito Jackson dies:Jackson 5 co-founder and brother of Michael Jackson was 70
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Jackson, who rose to fame alongside his brothers in the Grammy-nominated R&B group Jackson 5, was 70 at the time of his death.
Jackson's sons — Taj, Taryll and TJ Jackson — confirmed his death in an Instagram tribute early Monday morning.
"We are shocked, saddened and heartbroken. Our father was an incredible man who cared about everyone and their well-being," the sons captioned a carousel of photos featuring Jackson, his sons and the Jackson 5, in collaboration with Jackson's official Instagram account.
"It will forever be 'Tito Time' for us," they continued. "Please remember to do what our father always preached and that is 'Love One Another.' We love you Pops."
With siblings Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon and Michael Jackson, Jackson became a Motown hit as one-fifth of the Jackson 5, later The Jacksons. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as part of the Jackson 5 in 1997 and earned three Grammy nominations throughout his career as part of the group.
Jackson was the "quiet yet powerful guiding force of the group," entertainment mogul Suzanne de Passe, who worked with the Jackson 5, said in a statement to USA TODAY.
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"His dedication, both to the group and to his craft, shaped the incredible success they went on to achieve," she added. "Tito’s spirit, both on and off stage, will be deeply missed but never forgotten."
