Zubeen Garg Drowned: Here’s What Happened According to the Death Certificate

The Singapore General Hospital Pte Ltd has confirmed through official documentation that Indian singer and cultural icon Zubeen Garg passed away at 5:13 PM (Singapore Time) on September 19, 2025, which corresponds to 2:43 PM IST. The cause of death has been officially listed as drowning. These details were recorded in the Republic of Singapore Certificate of Death, and the High Commission of India in Singapore formally registered the death on September 20, 2025.

The certificate confirms that drowning was the cause of Zubeen Garg’s death. Let’s understand how such an incident happens, its effects on the body, and how it led to Zubeen Garg's tragic passing.

What is Drowning?

Medical authorities define drowning as respiratory impairment caused by submersion or immersion in liquid. In simple terms, when water enters the airways, it blocks oxygen from reaching the lungs and bloodstream. Within minutes, this lack of oxygen (known as hypoxia) leads to loss of consciousness, cardiac arrest, and eventually death if the person is not rescued and resuscitated in time.

How Drowning Affects the Body

When a person drowns, water fills the lungs, causing them to become heavy, swollen, and waterlogged. This prevents the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood. The brain, highly sensitive to oxygen deprivation, can suffer irreversible damage within 4–6 minutes. In post-mortem examinations, pathologists often look for classic signs such as frothy fluid in the airways, overinflated lungs, and water in the stomach, all of which help confirm drowning as the cause of death.

The Larger Context

Globally, drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental deaths, particularly in coastal regions, rivers, and swimming pools. Even experienced swimmers can fall victim due to exhaustion, sudden health episodes, or strong water currents. In urban settings like Singapore, accidental drownings often occur in recreational or hotel pool settings.

Official Findings

In Zubeen Garg’s case, the death certificate confirms drowning as the cause of death. The examination also showed that there were no underlying health issues and no signs of infectious diseases, including COVID-19. These details were officially recorded in the Republic of Singapore Certificate of Death and endorsed by the High Commission of India in Singapore when the death was registered on September 20, 2025.