Friends reveal Tito Jackson’s last moments

Tito Jackson, a member of the legendary Jackson family, told his closest friend, Terry Harvey Maltbia, that he “couldn’t breathe” and “wasn’t feeling good” just moments before he was rushed to a New Mexico hospital where he later died.

Tito, who was on a road trip with Maltbia and another friend, Ronald Balfour, had stopped in Gallup, New Mexico, to eat at a local spot after picking up vintage cars from his home in California.

They were heading back to Oklahoma when Tito suddenly fell ill.

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“We had just finished eating turkey and chicken, laughing, and having a good time,” Maltbia told DailyMail.

“We were putting the top on the convertible because it started raining when Tito came over and said, ‘My chest is hurting. Can you help Ronnie finish the car top?’ He said, ‘I ain’t feeling good in my chest.'”

Maltbia immediately called for help, and Tito was taken to a nearby hospital. Though his friends thought he would recover, his condition worsened, and doctors were unable to save him. Maltbia, clearly shaken, explained, “I thought everything would be okay since we got him to the hospital, but then it got bad, and that’s when I had to call his brother, Marlon. Shortly after, Tito passed away.”

As investigations into his death continue, Tito’s remains are under the custody of the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator, awaiting an autopsy in Albuquerque.

Steve Manning, a family friend and former manager, confirmed that the 70-year-old had suffered a heart attack.

Despite their grief, Maltbia and Balfour continued their journey to Tito’s ranch in Oklahoma, fulfilling their promise to complete the road trip in his memory. The ranch, where Tito had moved earlier this year, is a peaceful place where he hoped to find solace away from the fast-paced city life.

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Tito’s friend and business partner, Howard Pollack, revealed that the late singer was excited to bring music to his new community. Together, they were planning a music festival, “Tunes & Spoons,” which would include a three-day event featuring a chili cook-off and performances. Tito was dedicated to these plans, deeply rooted in his family’s connection to Oklahoma, and had hoped to bring 40,000 people to the event.

Jackson was enjoying a quiet life in Oklahoma, fishing at the lake near his property and embracing the peace he long sought. His friends said he had finally found the tranquillity he needed.

Tito Jackson is survived by his three sons, Taj, Taryll, and TJ, along with nine grandchildren.