Famed Mexican-American singer Jenni Rivera was killed in a plane crash early Sunday morning. Her family confirmed her death later that night after authorities found wreckage of the plane in a mountainous region south of Monterrey, Mexico.
Rivera, 43, was known as la "Diva de la Banda" for the style of music she sang. The genre was popularized in northern Mexico. She was born in Long Beach, Calif., and beloved by fans on both sides of the border. The songs she sang often called out arrogant men who lie and cheat and defended strong-willed women.
After her last concert Saturday night in Monterrey, Rivera boarded a small plane with six others headed to Toluca, near Mexico City. The plane crashed shortly after take off.
Rivera was a reality TV star and a Latin Grammy nominee. This year she gave concerts in San Diego, Phoenix and El Paso.