Connie Francis’ son, Joseph Garzilli, tragically died in 1981 in an apparent drowning accident.
Connie Francis, the American pop singer known for hits like “Who’s Sorry Now?” and “Where the Boys Are,” faced a devastating personal tragedy when her only child, Joseph Garzilli, passed away. Joseph, who was born on March 4, 1974, to Francis and her then-husband, Joseph Garzilli, was just seven years old when the incident occurred.
On August 16, 1981, while on a family outing in the waters of the Intracoastal Waterway near their home in Florida, Joseph was involved in a boating accident. Reports indicate that he was playing on a small boat when he fell overboard and drowned. Despite immediate search and rescue efforts, his body was not recovered until the following day.
The loss of her son was a profound blow to Connie Francis, who had already endured a series of personal challenges and professional setbacks. The tragedy deeply affected her life and career, contributing to her long battle with depression and mental health issues. She has spoken publicly about her son’s death and her subsequent struggles, using her platform to advocate for mental health awareness and support for those who have experienced similar losses.