No Life Jacket, High Alcohol Level in Blood: Zubeen Garg’s Death Due to Drowning, Rules Singapore Coroner

A court in Singapore has brought clarity to months of uncertainty surrounding the death of singer Zubeen Garg, concluding that the celebrated Assamese artist died by drowning near Lazarus Island in September last year.

Delivering his findings on Wednesday, State Coroner Adam Nakhoda described the incident as “an unfortunate and tragic drowning” following an extensive inquiry. The investigation drew on evidence gathered by the Singapore Police Force, including its Coast Guard unit.

Court proceedings revealed that the singer had been on a yacht excursion near Lazarus Island when the incident occurred. Witness accounts indicated that he had consumed alcohol prior to entering the sea.

According to testimony presented before the court, Garg had initially worn a life jacket during his first swim. However, he later removed it and declined to put it back on when he re-entered the water for a second attempt to swim towards the island.

Friends who were present reportedly urged him to return to the yacht. Despite their repeated calls, he became unresponsive in the water. He was subsequently brought back onboard, but efforts to revive him were unsuccessful.

A toxicology report submitted during the inquiry showed that Garg had a blood alcohol level of 333 mg per 100 ml, pointing to a high degree of intoxication at the time of the incident.

The coroner’s conclusions are consistent with earlier findings by the Singapore Police, which had ruled out any foul play and attributed the death to drowning linked to alcohol consumption and the absence of a life vest.

Garg, widely regarded as a cultural icon in Assam, had travelled to Singapore to participate in the North East India Festival. He died on 19 September 2025, just a day before he was due to perform at the event.

Back in India, the case continues to carry legal implications. Authorities in Assam have constituted a Special Investigation Team, which has filed charges against several individuals, including event organisers and those associated with the trip. Garg’s passing had sparked an outpouring of grief across Assam. Thousands gathered in Guwahati to pay their final respects when his body was returned home, underlining the profound impact he had on the region’s cultural landscape.​