Indian singer and cultural icon Zubeen Garg died on 19 September 2025 in Singapore, following a swimming incident during a yacht trip where he did not wear a life jacket, despite being advised to do so by lifeguards and the yacht crew.
He was declared dead at Singapore General Hospital after being pulled from the water, and attempts to revive him, including CPR at the port, were unsuccessful.
Details of the Incident
Garg was in Singapore as the Cultural Brand Ambassador for the North East India Festival, and was scheduled to perform on 20 September 2025.
The incident occurred during a yacht outing which involved 18 people, including members of the Assamese community residing in Singapore, four people from Garg’s team, and two yacht crew members.
The singer initially wore a life jacket but reportedly removed it, stating it was oversized and uncomfortable for swimming. The group had repeatedly insisted on safety gear before Garg entered the water.
According to The Times of India, Zubeen Garg died from drowning after suffering a seizure while swimming off Lazarus Island.
His wife, Garima Saikia Garg, said that he had a history of seizure attacks, and this incident was not the first time he had experienced such an attack while swimming.
After he was found unresponsive in the water, he was given CPR and rushed to Singapore General Hospital, where he was declared dead.
Official Statements and Investigation
Singapore authorities completed the post-mortem on 20 Sep 2025, handing over Garg’s body to his manager and accompanying team members, in the presence of Indian embassy officials.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma publicly confirmed the details surrounding the singer’s death and announced multiple FIRs against the festival organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta and Garg’s manager, Siddharth Sharma, citing allegations of negligence and mismanagement.
The case has been transferred to the Assam CID for further investigation.
Fans in Assam and across India mourned Garg’s passing, with shops and establishments in Assam closing on 20 Sep 2025 in tribute.
The singer was widely regarded for his decades-long career, which included film soundtracks, independent albums, acting, and live performances.
His song “Ya Ali” made him a household name in India.
Aftermath
Garg’s mortal remains were scheduled to be flown to New Delhi on 20 Sep 2025, before being taken to Guwahati by 21 Sep 2025 for final rites.
The Singapore authorities continue to question those present during the incident, as part of their ongoing investigation.
Key Timeline
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19 Sep 2025: Zubeen Garg drowned while swimming off Singapore during a yacht trip.
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19 Sep 2025, 2:30pm Singapore time: Garg declared dead at Singapore General Hospital.
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20 Sep 2025: Mortal remains handed over for repatriation.
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21 Sep 2025: Arrival planned in Guwahati, Assam.
Authorities in Assam and Singapore continue to probe the events surrounding Garg’s death, responding to public demands for clarity and accountability.
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