(Newser)
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Mexican-American superstar Jenni Rivera appears to have perished along with six other people when their Learjet crashed in mountainous terrain near Monterrey, Mexico, authorities say. "There is nothing recognizable, neither material nor human" in the wreckage, which has been scattered over a large area by the force of the impact Mexico's transportation minister says. Authorities have not yet confirmed that the 43-year-old was aboard the plane, the AP reports.
Rivera, who was born and raised in Long Beach, California, had played a concert in Monterrey before the plane crash. The mother of five was at the peak of her fame as a star of the regional "grupero" style of music, and was also a successful businesswoman and one of NBCUniversal's biggest TV stars. Tributes have poured in from media and celebrities in Mexico. "My friend! Why? There is no consolation. God, please help me!" Mexican pop singer Paulina Rubio tweeted. (Update: NTSB confirms Rivera is dead. Click for latest.)
