Video: Emilio performs | Who is Emilio Navaira? | Kevin Peters' 11 News report

HOUSTON —Tejano superstar Emilio Navaira remained in critical condition at Memorial Hermann Hospital on Monday morning after his tour bus crashed on the West Loop near Highway 59 early Sunday morning.

Navaira’s bus ran up onto freeway median barrels, nearly tipping over, and eight people were transported to Ben Taub and Memorial Hermann hospitals.

Memorial Hermann is scheduled to hold a press conference Monday morning.

An officer at the scene of the crash said alcohol may have been involved.

“I believe alcohol was involved – to what extent, I don’t know,” Bellaire Police Sgt. Daniel Kerr said.

Joe Casias, Navaira's agent, asked for prayers.

“Our current understanding is that Emilio suffered serious head injuries and surgery was performed this morning where a blood clot was removed from his brain. He is presently in guarded condition in intensive care,” Casias said in a statement. “We ask his friends and fans for their prayers during this difficult time and we will release more information as it is available.”

Navaira was driving the bus at the time of the crash. Police said the incident occurred around 5 a.m.

Some of the remaining passengers have since been treated and released, and the conditions of those who remained hospitalized were unknown.

Police had the southbound lanes of 610 completely blocked for hours after the accident.

The singer was in town for a Saturday night performance at Hullabaloo’s nightclub on Houston’s southeast side.

Navaira was born on August 23, 1962 in San Antonio.

He was a music major at Texas State.

In the last 12 years, Navaira and Rio, his band, have won multiple awards and achieved significant success in both Mexico and the United States with Tejano and mainstream country music hits.

“Acuerdate” won the 2003 Grammy for best Tejano album.

AP

Emilio Navaira | Slideshow

Navairo has also had a few brushes with the law.

He was booked in San Antonio in 2000 for allegedly resisting arrest.

Police were called to a hotel lobby, where they said Navairo was arguing with a woman and appeared intoxicated and uncooperative. 

Navairo denied any wrongdoing.

That same year, he was arrested in San Antonio on DWI charges. He received probation and paid a fine as a result.