CNN, LOS ANGELES TIMES (USA), BBC NEWS (UK)
Worldcrunch
MEXICO CITY - Mexican-American singer Jenni Rivera died Sunday in a plane crash in northern Mexico, reports BBC News.
Photo Jenni Rivera
Jenni's father, Pedro Rivera, confirmed the death of the Latin music and reality TV star as well as the deaths of every member on board. According to CNN, Rivera was traveling with her publicist, her lawyer, a family friend and two pilots.
According to the AP, the plane left Monterrey around 3:30 A.M., after a concert that Jenni had given. The U.S.-registered Learjet 25 was headed to Toluca, near Mexico City, says the Los Angeles Times.
Born in Long Beach, California, in 1969 in a family with strong musical background, Rivera rose to fame as the interpreter of traditional Mexican music, norteno and banda.
Known as "la Diva de la banda," she is reported to have sold more 15 million records throughout her career. She was also a judge in the popular television program La Voz, Mexico's version of The Voice.
"She was the Diana Ross of Mexican music," Gustavo Lopez from Universal Music Latin Entertainment, which includes Rivera's music label, said the Los Angeles Times.
Rivera recently won two Billboard music awards, including favorite Mexican music female artist. She also was nominated for a Latin Grammy Award in 2002, 2008 and 2011.
In October, Rivera appeared in the People en Espanol's 25 most powerful women list.
Fans and Latin stars expressed their grief on social networks.
So sad!! Praying for Jenni Rivera's children and family and the passengers families. Que dios los bendigan!! Descansen en paz...
— Jennifer Lopez (@JLo) December 10, 2012
Esto es triste. Un poco en shock. Mucha paz para su familia. RT @elnuevodia: Desaparece avión en q viajaba Jenni Rivera end.pr/U6TMch
— Ricky Martin (@ricky_martin) December 9, 2012
(This is sad. I'm in a bit of shock. Much peace for her family. )
My heart breaks for the loss of Jenni Rivera & everyone on the plane. My prayers go out to her family. We lost a legend today.
— Eva Longoria (@EvaLongoria) December 10, 2012
I highly respected #JenniRivera 4 being a gr8 performer but more then tht being real & gr8 example 4 us all que dios la bendiga &may she RIP
— Pitbull (@Pitbull) December 9, 2012
