American aviation authorities confirmed what was already suspected Monday morning: Long Beach-bred banda singer Jenni Rivera died in a plane crash in northern Mexico at around 3:30AM Sunday. A statement from the National Transportation and Safety Board said that Mexican officials informed them of the singer’s death by confirming that the Learjet she was traveling in on a short post-concert flight from Monterrey disintegrated on impact in the mountains near Iturbide, Nuevo León, leaving no survivors.
Photos of Rivera’s tattered California driver’s license as well as clothing found scattered throughout the wreckage area were released by the Associated Press Monday morning, though the bodies of Rivera, the two pilots and the three other plane passengers have yet to be found. NTSB says that they are offering technical assistance to Mexican authorities investigating the crash.
“My son Lupillo told me that effectively it was Jenni’s plane that crashed and that everyone on board died,” Rivera’s father, Pedro Rivera told dozens of reporters gathered in front of the family’s Lakewood home. “I believe my daughter’s body is unrecognizable.”
On Sunday, both Alejandro Argudín, the General Director for the Civil Aeronautics and Gerardo Ruiz Esparza, the Secretary of Communications and Transportation confirmed that the plane—built in 1969, according to records—was completely totaled as a result of the impact. Investigators believe that there was an instant explosion, making it difficult to recognize the plane or any human remains that may be present.
A forensic team was at the scene trying to identify the remains and getting DNA evidence, according to Mexican authorities.
“When we do find out what has happened with the body, because they have to get it out of the woods there,” said Jenni’s brother, Pedro Rivera, Jr. outside of the family’s home. “As soon as they get the bodies out and we receive the news that they’re there, all the family is gonna fly over there and bring our sister back.”
Fans are gathering at the many Rivera households throughout the Southland (originally from Long Beach, the Riveras now have houses in Norco, Encino and Lakewood), paying homage to the Mexican regional music and bilingual television star, who was mere months away from crossing over to mainstream American media.
A public candlelight vigil for Jenni Rivera will be held with her family tonight in Long Beach at 1017 Obisbo, 6:30PM.
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