Jenni Rivera’s Remains Identified, Latin Singer Confirmed Dead

Sad news for those hanging on to hopes of singer Jenni Rivera’s possible survival. A Mexican government spokesman confirmed Thursday that Rivera’s remains were identified, and that they have been turned over to her family, reports CNN.

Rivera was killed on Sunday when her plane plummeted from 28,000 feet for as-yet unknown reasons. The plane crashed in a mountainous area 9,000 feet above sea level. Before Rivera’s remains were found, authorities identified the remains of the plane’s co-pilot and Rivera’s publicist.

Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the crash, which occurred at some point after air traffic lost contact with the plane 10 minutes after it took off. Two civil lawsuits have been filed against the company that owns the private jet, accusing the firm of lying about its links to a businessman who was convicted of falsifying maintenance records.

The 43-year-old Rivera is mourned by millions of fans.

Since news of the crash, the inability of Mexico authorities to identify Rivera’s remains caused many fans to hope against hope that the Latin singer could possibly still alive, though possibly injured or even kidnapped. Rivera’s brother Pedro said, “We still have hope that she’s alive … It’s a 95% chance that she’s dead, but we have that belief because we don’t have a body. They found clothes.”

Rivera’s youngest son, Angel Lopez, has been the most hopeful for news of his mother’s survival, and even consulted a psychic. “EVERYONE!!!! WE HAVE GOOD NEWS FROM A PHYSIC!!!! She is alive. Look on @Chiquis626‘s profile there should be a post there,” he wrote on Twitter.

The hopeful news apparently originated from a psychic/medium named Gilbert Salas. Many were critical of the psychic’s “exploitation” of Angel Lopez and warned Rivera’s young son about relying on such information. The family ought to be calling for Salas’ head any time now.

The family has not yet released any statement regarding the identification of Rivera’s remains.

IQ offers our heartfelt condolences to the family of Jenni Rivera, and her many fans who have been emotionally troubled by her passing.