Jenni Rivera: Fears for singer after plane goes missing in Mexico

Authorities in northe Mexico are confirming that a small plane carrying Mexican-American singer and reality star Jenni Rivera has gone missing after taking off from the city of Monterrey.

Jorge Domene, spokesman for the Nuevo Leon state govement, told Milenio television on Sunday that the plane left Monterrey at about 3:30am after she had performed in a concert there.

The jet was bound for Toluca, which is located outside Mexico City.

Domene says a search for the plane was launched early Sunday, with helicopters from the local civilian protection agency flying over the state.

He says seven people are believed to be aboard the U.S.-registered Learjet 25, including two pilots.

The 43-year-old who was bo and raised in Long Beach, Califoia, is known for her interpretations of Mexican regional music known as Nortena and banda.

Bo in Long Beach, Califoia, to Mexican immigrant parents, Rivera has sold some 15 million records in her career and won several awards and Grammy nominations, her website said.

 

Sensation: The 43-year-old who was bo and raised in Long Beach, Califoia, is known for her interpretations of Mexican regional music known as Nortena and banda

Reality TV: Rivera currently stars in I Love Jenni on the Mun2 network, and had just signed on to play the lead in a new ABC sitcom

She also currently stars in the reality TV show I Love Jenni on the Mun2 network.

She divorced former Major League Baseball pitcher Esteban Loaiza in October after two years of marriage. She has five children from prior relationships.

Three days ago, it was reported that Rivera had agreed to shoot a pilot for a new ABC sitcom called Jenni.

Family: Rivera, right, poses with her daughter Jenicka at her quinceañera party

Plane: Rivera was a passenger aboard a private Learjet like the one seen here. Four others, including the pilot, are believed to be on board