Singapore Coroner Details Zubeen Garg's Tragic Drowning Incident
Singapore's coroner inquiry has released disturbing findings about the death of popular singer Zubeen Garg. The investigation confirms that Garg was severely intoxicated when he drowned in September 2025 near Lazarus Island.
Fatal Swim Without Safety Gear
The coroner's report states clearly that Zubeen Garg was not wearing any life vest when he entered the water. Assistant Superintendent of Police David Lim testified during the inquiry that the singer had been drinking heavily before the incident.
Police investigators revealed that Garg refused to wear a life jacket before jumping off the yacht where he had been sailing with friends. This critical safety precaution was completely ignored despite the obvious risks of swimming in open waters.
The Final Moments
Witnesses described a harrowing scene as events unfolded. Friends who were with Garg saw him enter the water and initially thought he was swimming normally. However, the situation turned dangerous quickly.
"His friends asked him to swim back toward the yacht," the report notes, "but he became motionless and was found floating face down in the water."
Several attempts were made to resuscitate Garg after he was pulled back onto the yacht. Emergency responders continued these efforts during transport to the hospital, where he was officially declared dead. The coroner has listed the cause of death as drowning.
Controversy Surrounding the Death
The case has generated significant controversy since September. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has repeatedly called the incident a murder rather than an accident. He named several individuals who have been charged in connection with the death.
Indian authorities have filed charges against Garg's manager, Siddharth Sharma, accusing him of causing the singer's intoxicated state. The chargesheet suggests this impairment affected Garg's reflexes and led to his decision to swim without proper safety equipment.
Medical records included in the investigation reveal that Zubeen Garg had a history of epilepsy, though it remains unclear if this condition played any role in the drowning incident.
Singapore Visit for Cultural Festival
Zubeen Garg was visiting Singapore as a cultural brand ambassador for the North East India Festival. Tragically, he died before the festival could begin, cutting short what was meant to be a celebratory cultural exchange.
The coroner's inquiry provides official documentation of the circumstances surrounding this tragic loss. While questions remain about responsibility and prevention, the basic facts of the incident are now part of the public record through this thorough investigation.
