Popular Indian singer Zubeen Garg has died in a freak scuba-diving accident in Singapore at the age of 52, officials confirmed.

Garg, best known for his hit song Ya Ali from the 2006 Bollywood film Gangster, was in Singapore to perform at the Northeast India Festival when he suffered a medical emergency while swimming. Local media reported that he was rescued by Singapore police and rushed to a hospital but could not be revived.

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His death was confirmed by Ashok Singhal, a minister from Garg’s home state of Assam, who described him as “the pride of Assam and the nation.” Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said an autopsy had been conducted in Singapore and that arrangements were underway to repatriate his body.

“Today Assam lost one of its favourite sons,” Sarma said. “Zubeen’s voice had an unmatched ability to energise people, and his music spoke directly to our minds and souls. He has left a void that will never be filled.”

Born in Assam, Garg became one of the most recognisable voices from India’s northeast over a career spanning three decades. He recorded in more than 40 languages and dialects, released independent albums, acted in films, and was a prolific live performer.

News of his passing sparked an outpouring of grief across Assam, with fans holding vigils and large crowds gathering in cities to mourn. Many were seen openly weeping and embracing in sorrow, according to local reports.

Garg’s body will lie in state in the Assam capital, Guwahati, to allow the public to pay their respects.