# Tragic Revelation: Zubeen Garg's Final Moments – Intoxicated and Without a Life Vest **Imagine a vibrant music icon, beloved across India, slipping into the sea without a life jacket – a decision fueled by severe intoxication that led to his untimely death.** New details from Singapore's coroner's inquiry paint a heartbreaking picture of Assamese singer Zubeen Garg's drowning near Lazarus Island on September 19, 2025, challenging earlier murder allegations back home.[3][1][6] Zubeen Garg, 52, was in Singapore for the North East India Festival when tragedy struck during a yacht party with about 20 friends and colleagues at Marina at Keppel Bay. He initially wore a life jacket but removed it and refused a second one despite repeated reminders from the yacht captain, according to Assistant Superintendent of Police David Lim's testimony.[1][3][4][6] Toxicology reports revealed a blood alcohol level of 333mg per 100ml – indicating **severe intoxication** that severely impaired his coordination and reflexes.[1][6] Witnesses saw Garg struggling to swim back to the yacht, going limp, and floating face-down before being rescued for CPR. Despite prompt efforts, including police assistance, he was pronounced dead at Singapore General Hospital at 5:13pm or 5:15pm.[1][6] An autopsy confirmed drowning as the cause, with minor injuries consistent with resuscitation and no evidence of other drugs – only medications for his hypertension and epilepsy history.[1][6] This contrasts sharply with Assam police's probe, where a Special Investigation Team charged four people with murder, alleging conspiracy involving forced alcohol and encouragement to swim. Seven arrests followed, including festival organizers, band members, and Garg's cousin.[3][4] Singapore Police Force (SPF), however, insists **no foul play** is suspected, with the inquiry – involving 35 witnesses – resuming in February 2026 under the Coroners Act.[2][7] Garg's uncle, Manoj Borthakur, who attended the hearing, noted the probes' differing scopes: Singapore focuses on the incident's cause, while Assam examines backstory.[3]
*Stock image: Yacht near Lazarus Island, site of the incident (Unsplash).*
Citations
1.https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/indian-singer-zubeen-garg-swam-without-life-vest-drowned-near-lazarus-island-coroners-court
2.https://www.police.gov.sg/Media-Hub/News/2025/12/20251218_statement_by_spf_on_investigations_into_the_death_of_mr_zubeen_garg
3.https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/singapore-police-says-zubeen-garg-was-intoxicated-refused-life-vest-before-going-for-swim-new-details-on-the-singers-death-emerge/articleshow/126530639.cms
4.https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/zubeen-garg-was-drunk-declined-life-jacket-singapore-police-to-court-on-singers-death-101768392028855.html
5.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QyDm6rsXqsk
6.https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/zubeen-garg-singapore-coroner-inquiry-drunk-drown-life-jacket-5857566
7.https://www.police.gov.sg/Media-Hub/News/2025/10/20251017_statement_by_the_singapore_police_force_on_investigations_into_mr_zubeen_garg_death
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