Singapore Coroner Rules Zubeen Garg’s Death an Accident, Finds No Evidence of Foul Play

A Singapore court has concluded that the death of Indian singer Zubeen Garg was the result of accidental drowning, dismissing concerns of any criminal involvement in the incident that occurred last year.

Delivering the findings on Wednesday, State Coroner Adam Nakhoda upheld the conclusions of the Singapore Police Coast Guard, stating that the investigation had been detailed and thorough, and found no indication of foul play.

The court determined that Garg’s death near Lazarus Island in September 2025 was “a tragic accident,” with no evidence suggesting he had been forced into the water or harmed by others present.

Addressing allegations raised earlier by family members, the coroner said there was nothing to support claims that rescuers acted improperly. Witness accounts and evidence showed that those on board the yacht attempted to assist the singer when he got into difficulty.

The court noted that Garg, 52, had consumed alcohol before entering the water, which likely impaired his judgment. Despite being advised by the yacht’s captain and others to wear a life jacket, he reportedly declined before heading out for a second swim.

Earlier, he had entered the water wearing a life jacket but removed it. During his second attempt, he swam toward the island without safety gear. When fellow passengers called out to him, he appeared to turn back but soon lost movement in the water.

He was brought back to the vessel and rushed to hospital, where he was later declared dead. A post-mortem examination confirmed drowning as the cause of death.

Toxicology findings revealed a high level of alcohol in his system, significantly exceeding Singapore’s legal limit for intoxication. The court observed that such levels could severely affect coordination and reflexes.

The hearing also examined Garg’s medical background, including a history of hypertension and epilepsy. While the possibility of a medical episode could not be entirely ruled out, the coroner said there was insufficient evidence to establish this as a contributing factor.

Garg had been in Singapore to perform at a cultural event marking diplomatic ties between India and Singapore. The event was cancelled following his sudden death.

The court further found that the outing on the yacht—where a group had gathered for recreational activities such as swimming and kayaking—was voluntary, and there was no coercion involved in Garg’s participation.

Reiterating the scope of the inquiry, the coroner clarified that the role of the court was limited to establishing the cause of death. With police investigations also concluding that no wrongdoing occurred, no charges have been filed in connection with the case.

The ruling brings closure to months of speculation surrounding the circumstances of the singer’s death, affirming that it was an unfortunate accident rather than the result of any deliberate act.