Indian Singer Zubeen Garg Drowns Near Lazarus Island in Singapore

Indian singer-songwriter Zubeen Garg, aged 52, drowned near Lazarus Island in Singapore on September 19, 2025, a day before he was scheduled to perform at a festival. The incident occurred after he declined to wear a life jacket while attending a yacht party, according to findings presented at a coroner’s court on January 14, 2026. Witnesses reported that Garg, who had initially worn a life jacket, removed it and later refused a second offer for a smaller one.

Details of the Incident

During the inquiry, the chief investigating officer revealed that Garg was with approximately 20 friends and colleagues aboard a yacht at Marina at Keppel Bay. The group had consumed snacks and alcoholic beverages, with several witnesses noting that Garg was visibly intoxicated, with a blood alcohol concentration of 333 milligrams per 100 milliliters—significantly above Singapore’s legal limit of 80 milligrams.

At around 15:00, Garg entered the water without a life jacket, despite repeated warnings from the yacht’s captain and other guests. Eyewitnesses described seeing him swim towards Lazarus Island but noticed him suddenly go limp and float face down in the water. Immediate rescue efforts were initiated, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was administered once he was brought back to the yacht.

The Singapore Police Coast Guard responded swiftly, arriving within nine minutes of the distress call. Despite all efforts, Garg was pronounced dead at approximately 17:15 after being transported to Singapore General Hospital.

Family Concerns and Inquiry Progress

Before the inquiry commenced, Garg’s uncle expressed deep concerns regarding the circumstances surrounding his death. He stated that Garg had left his hotel “alive and full of promise” earlier that day, raising questions about the events that transpired thereafter. The family seeks clarification on the planning of the outing, Garg’s companions, and his health throughout the day.

“Between those two moments lie a sequence of events the family doesn’t fully understand,” said Garg’s uncle.

The uncle emphasized the need to determine whether Garg willingly entered the water or was encouraged to do so by others. He also questioned if there was any delay in medical assistance and urged for a thorough examination of the facts leading to his nephew’s death. Although Garg’s wife could not attend, she echoed similar concerns about potential omissions in the police investigation.

State Coroner Adam Nakhoda reminded the family that some details requested might not pertain directly to the circumstances of the death. He assured them that they could pose questions to the witnesses scheduled to testify.

The inquiry is set to hear from a total of 35 witnesses, including attendees from the yacht, police officers, and paramedics involved in the rescue efforts. As the investigation proceeds, further insights into the events of that fateful day are expected to emerge.

An autopsy confirmed the cause of death as drowning, with injuries observed on Garg’s body attributed to the CPR and rescue attempts. In addition to finding medications related to his history of hypertension and epilepsy in his system, the toxicology report indicated no other drugs were present.

Witnesses maintained that Garg exhibited no suicidal tendencies and had willingly jumped into the water. The inquiry continues as the court seeks to clarify the sequence of events leading to the tragic incident.