Fans gather to pay respects to late Tejano star Emilio Navaira
SAN ANTONIO, TX (KTRK) -- Thousands of Tejano music fans are gathered in San Antonio to pay their respects to the late Emilio Navaira, the man called 'The King of Tejano Music' died suddenly last week after suffering a massive heart attack.
The visitation took place at the Freeman Coliseum. Fans, family and friends have been arriving Sunday for a final farewell.
He was known as the Garth Brooks of Tejano. His voice and his music loved by so many. Emilio Navaira was a successful singer both in the Tejano and Country music world.
His viewing was made public and his casket was open to his fans, family and friends. Emilio died Tuesday in his New Braunfels home after suffering a massive heart attack. He was only 53.
Eyewitness News caught up with longtime friend and Tejano star David Lee Garza whom sang with him Emilo when the late star was very young and trying to break into the business.
"It's hurting. We're hurting like everybody else -- all his fans. He started his career with us so we saw him grow up and turn into a soloist the superstar that he was," he said.
Emilio Navaira's funeral is set for 1pm Monday at the San Fernando Cathedral. Eyewitness News anchor/reporter Mayra Moreno will bring us live reports and social media updates.
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