Tejano superstar Emilio Navaira dies at 53
SAN ANTONIO (KABC) -- Emilio Navaira, described as the king of Tejano music, died at his home in Texas Monday night. He was 53.
Officers with the New Braunfels Police Department were dispatched to Navaira's home in the 6300 block of Myrtle Run around 8:20 p.m. Navaira was found unconscious and not breathing by family members, police said.
He was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Navaira is believed to have died of natural causes, but a medical examiner will determine his exact cause of death.
Along with Selena, Navaira is widely credited with introducing Tejano music into the mainstream in the 1990s.
Navaira was often compared to country star Garth Brooks and was one of the few Tejano artists to see success in both the United States and Mexico.
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The San Antonio native recorded more than 15 studio albums throughout his influential career. He won a Grammy for Best Tejano Album in 2002 and was nominated for a Latin Grammy in 2013.
In 2008, Navaira made headlines after crashing his tour bus while driving under the influence of alcohol in Houston. He was catapulted through the windshield and suffered serious brain injuries. Navaira later pleaded guilty to driving while intoxicated.
His last known concert was reportedly in Mexico about a week ago.
