The death of Mexican-American singing star Jenni Rivera and four others has affected Poison's Bret Michaels. This morning (Dec. 10), the singer and reality TV star issued a statement about her passing on his website.

"I am deeply saddened hearing the news of the crash of Jenni Rivera’s plane," he wrote. "Not only did the crash claim the life of Ms. Rivera but that of 4 other people including, Jacob Yebale, who was a great friend to all of us at Michaels Entertainment having worked with me, VH1 and 51 Minds on numerous shoots. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family as well as Ms. Rivera’s and the other families who lost loved ones in this awful and sudden tragedy."

Rivera was killed on Sunday at the age of 43 when the small, private jet in which she was traveling crashed shortly after taking off from Monterrey, Mexico en route to Toluca, where Rivera was scheduled to appear on Mexico's version of 'The Voice.' Full details on the crash are still forthcoming, including the number of people on board, but Yebale, who was Rivera's makeup artist, has been confirmed as one of the passengers.

Born in Long Beach, Calif., Rivera had been known as one of the most popular interpreters of banda, a traditional form of Mexican music. She sold more than 15 million records in her 10-year career and was nominated for Latin Grammys in 2003, 2008 and 2010. She also starred on the reality show 'I love Jenni,' which was filming its third season. Married and divorced three times, including most recently to former major league pitcher Esteban Loaiza, she is survived by her five children and two grandchildren.

More From 107.9 Jack FM