By CNN Staff
updated 6:44 PM EST, Sun December 9, 2012
The plane Jenni Rivera was flying in took off from Monterrey, Mexico, on Sunday morning, officials say.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
- Helicopters are assisting in the search for singer Jenni Rivera
- Authorities suspect the plane she was flying in crashed
- The plane lost contact with air traffic controllers outside Monterrey, Mexico
Mexico City (CNN) -- Singer Jenni Rivera is missing after a plane she was flying in lost contact with air traffic controllers in Mexico early Sunday morning, officials said.
Two pilots and and four other passengers are also missing in the suspected crash, Mexico's transportation ministry said in a statement.
The private LearJet took off from Monterrey, Mexico, at 3:15 a.m. and lost contact with air traffic controllers about 60 miles away, the statement said. The Mexican-American singer had a concert in the northern Mexican city Saturday night.
Two helicopters are assisting in the search for the missing plane, which had as its destination the airport in Toluca, near Mexico City. The cause of the suspected crash was not immediately clear, and the ministry said it has opened an investigation.
Born in Long Beach, California, to Mexican immigrant parents, Rivera, 43, released her debut album in 1999, according to her website. She sings traditional Mexican ballads, and was nominated for a Latin Grammy Award in 2002 in the category of "Best Banda Album."
In October, People en Espanol named Rivera to its list of the 25 most powerful women.
Famous for her music, she is also known for her tumultuous personal life. Rivera was a single mom at the age of 15 and is the mother of five, her website said.
Rivera's "I Love Jenni" reality show began airing on Telemundo's mun2 network last year.
She is a judge on the popular TV show, "The Voice, Mexico," which was scheduled to air Sunday night. Noting its concern for Rivera, Mexican broadcaster Televisa said it would air a special report on the singer instead.
A fellow judge on the show took to Twitter following news of Rivera's disappearance.
"My heart is devastated," wrote Beto Cuevas. "All my prayers are with you, Jenni, and your family."
CNNMexico.com contributed to this report.
Search under way for missing singer and private plane
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Search under way for missing singer and private plane
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Search under way for missing singer and private plane
