Emilio Navaira, fondly referred to as the “King of Tejano” by fans and the music industry, died at 53.
According to police, Navaira was found unconscious in his New Braunfels home on Monday night. He was transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Media reports said his death appeared to be from natural causes. However, a medical examiner will officially determine his cause of death.
Navaira was a Tejano superstar who shared the stage alongside other greats in the Tejano music world, such as Selena. He was listed as one of the main acts at this year’s “Raza on the Plaza,” festival over the July fourth weekend in Lubbock.
Coordinators for the event, Broadway Festivals Inc., said they express their condolences to his family, friends and fans.
J.R. Castilleja, a former Tejano music show host from Lubbock, expressed his condolences as well in regard to Navaira’s passing as well, stating:
“I’ve known Emilio since he started with David Lee Garza. The guy had it together back those years and he knew what he wanted, and for the part accomplished it. Not many folks knew he went to Southwest Texas State in San Marcos and he was a genuine great musician and his first real love was country music… Let’s remember Emilio’s love, smile and what he shared.”
