Popular Indian singer Zubeen Garg died Friday in a scuba diving accident in Singapore, police said. He was 52.
Garg, who had traveled to Singapore to perform at the “Northeast Festival,” was scheduled to appear on stage the same evening. Authorities said the singer experienced breathing difficulties while diving around 1:30 p.m. local time. He was rescued from the sea and rushed to a hospital, where doctors pronounced him dead.
Festival organizers confirmed the accident and said medical personnel attempted to save him but were unsuccessful.
Garg, widely known for his work in Assamese and Hindi music, had been hospitalized in May after suffering from fever and cold. At that time, his close friend Raju Baruah said the singer had complained of abdominal pain during a film premiere and had to be admitted for treatment.
News of Garg’s sudden death left India’s entertainment industry in shock. Music composer Jeet Gannguli and actor Rahul Arunoday Banerjee were among those who expressed condolences.
