What has happened to Zubeen Garg ?

  

Zubeen Garg’s death in Singapore (as of all available sources), with clarifications and uncertainties, drawn from recent news.

What Happened: Sequence of Events

1. Purpose of Trip & Festival
   Zubeen Garg, the celebrated singer from Assam, was in Singapore to perform at the 4th North East India Festival, scheduled for September 20-21, 2025. He had arrived a couple of days prior. The Week+4www.ndtv.com+4India Today+4

2. Yacht and Sea Outing
   On the day of the incident, Garg went on a yacht outing with a group including some members from the local Assamese community and his own team. The exact number being reported varies; Assam’s Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said there were 17 people on board. mint+2The Economic Times+2

3. Incident in Water
   There are differing versions of what exactly caused his collapse:

   • One version is that Garg was scuba diving or in water when he developed breathing difficulties. He was given CPR and rushed to hospital, but could not be revived. www.ndtv.com+2The Times of India+2

   • Another version, reported by Garg’s wife, says that instead of scuba diving, he suffered a seizure while swimming after returning from the yacht to an island (reportedly Lazarus Island). In this version, all had initially worn life jackets; at some point, Garg removed his, feeling it was oversized and uncomfortable. The Times of India+2The Economic Times+2

4. Life Jacket Claim & Swimming Without It
   According to Assam’s Chief Minister, Garg had removed his life jacket after being advised to wear one. The yacht crew had asked him to wear it, but Garg reportedly took it off after a few seconds, stating it was oversized and impeded his swimming. He was later found floating in the sea. The Economic Times+1

5. Rescue, Medical Care & Death
   The yacht’s crew and shore guards responded. He was retrieved from the water, CPR was administered at the site (or at the port), then he was transported to Singapore General Hospital, where he was admitted to the ICU. The hospital reportedly declared him deceased at about 2:30 PM IST. mint+3www.ndtv.com+3The Times of India+3

6. Post-Mortem & Repatriation
   Singapore authorities have confirmed a post-mortem examination (autopsy) will be done. Assam’s government has coordinated with the Indian High Commission in Singapore to bring Garg’s mortal remains back to India, eventually to Assam. The Chief Minister has said the body would likely arrive in Assam after formalities, first in Delhi, then Guwahati. The state is planning a public tribute. mint+2The Week+2

Reactions, Uncertainties & Discrepancies

• There is confusion among reports whether the incident was scuba diving, or regular swimming. Garg’s wife has reportedly denied the scuba diving version, saying he had a seizure while swimming. The Times of India

• The exact location is somewhat vague: some reports mention Lazarus Island. The Times of India

• There is disagreement about wearing of life jackets: while many report he removed the life jacket after putting it on initially, others mention that everyone else wore one. The Times of India+2The Economic Times+2

• The presence of “breathing difficulty” is consistently reported. It is unclear whether that is a result of the seizure or independent. www.ndtv.com+2The Times of India+2

Impact & Aftermath

• The North East India Festival in Singapore was cancelled following his death. The Times of India+1

• Large scale mourning in Assam and northeastern India. Political leaders (including the Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Prime Minister Narendra Modi) and many fans and fellow artists have expressed grief. India Today+1

• Plans for his body to be transported back to Assam. Once returned, the state plans public condolences and tribute programmes. mint+1

Conclusion

What seems clear from reliable sources is:

• Zubeen Garg died on 19 September 2025 while in Singapore during a sea outing connected to a festival.

• He experienced some medical emergency in the water—either a seizure or sudden breathing difficulty—after or during swimming.

• He was not wearing a life jacket at the time of the fatal episode, although had one on earlier.

• Crew members attempted rescue, CPR was given, and he was transported to hospital, but could not be revived.

• An autopsy is underway, and his remains will be returned to Assam, where people will pay respects.