Coroner Confirms Zubeen Garg's Death as Accidental Drowning
Official Ruling on Zubeen Garg's Tragic Death
A state coroner in Singapore has determined that Zubeen Garg's death was due to accidental drowning. This conclusion was announced on March 25, with State Coroner Adam Nakhoda affirming the Singapore Police Coast Guard's earlier assessment that no foul play was involved. The coroner addressed concerns raised by Garg's widow regarding the investigation's findings, confirming that a thorough inquiry had been conducted.
Insights from the Coroner Regarding Garg's Passing
Coroner Nakhoda stated that Garg's demise was a tragic accident, emphasizing that there was no indication of anyone having forced him into the water. He also dismissed allegations that rescuers had intentionally submerged Garg's face underwater, as previously reported.
At the time of the incident, Garg, aged 52, was under the influence of alcohol, which likely affected his judgment. This included his decision to remove his life jacket during his first swim and his refusal to wear it again during a second swim, despite warnings from the yacht's captain and other passengers.
Details Surrounding Zubeen Garg's Final Moments
Garg tragically drowned near Lazarus Island on September 19, 2025, just a day before he was scheduled to perform at the North East India Festival. He was in Singapore to celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations between Singapore and India, but the festival was canceled following the news of his passing.
As a well-known singer from Assam, Garg was invited to perform at the event. The coroner noted that he willingly participated in the yacht trip, where a group of around 20 people engaged in activities like drinking and swimming. Witnesses reported seeing Garg consume several alcoholic beverages, including gin and whisky.
During his first swim, Garg wore a life jacket but later took it off and declined another when he attempted to swim again. Despite calls from his companions to return, he became unresponsive while swimming back to the yacht. He was subsequently rescued and transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. An autopsy confirmed drowning as the cause of death.
The coroner's findings indicated that Garg had a blood alcohol level of 333 milligrams per 100 milliliters, significantly above Singapore's legal limit of 80 milligrams. Additionally, he had a history of hypertension and epilepsy, with the last known seizure occurring in 2024. While it was possible that an epileptic episode contributed to his drowning, the evidence was insufficient for a definitive conclusion.
Ultimately, the court found no evidence of any wrongdoing regarding the invitation extended to Garg for the festival.