UPDATE: Tom Petty Dies at 66
The legendary musician was found unconscious at his Malibu home on Sunday, TMZ reports.
UPDATE at 9:30 AM ET on October 3: Tom Petty died on Monday, October 2 after suffering cardiac arrest, the musician's longtime manager, Tony Dimitriades, confirmed to The New York Times. He was 66.
UPDATE at 6:30PM ET: TMZ says a report that the LAPD confirmed Petty's death is inaccurate, noting that the L.A. County Sherrif's Department handled the incident. Sources tell TMZ that Petty is currently "clinging to life" and "not expected to live through the day."
UPDATE at 5:15PM ET: CBS News initially confirmed the news of the musician's death, though later noted that the LAPD could not confirm the passing.
Legendary rocker Tom Petty has died at the age of 66. The musician was rushed to the hospital on Sunday after he was found unconscious, not breathing, and in full cardiac arrest at his home in Malibu, according to TMZ. The site further reports that after he got to the hospital, he had no brain activity and that it was decided to pull life support. At press time, TMZ noted that reports of his death were preliminary Variety confirmed the musician's passing. Boy Dylan gave a statement to Rolling Stone regarding Tom's passing.
"It’s shocking, crushing news," Dylan told Rolling Stone in a statement. "I thought the world of Tom. He was great performer, full of the light, a friend, and I’ll never forget him."
Petty first rose to prominence in the 1970s, fronting the band Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, releasing such iconic tracks as "American Girl" and "Breakdown." In the late '80s, he launched a successful solo career which included the release of songs like "I Won't Back Down" and "Free Fallin.'" He also toured with the supergroup, the Traveling Wilburys, along with George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison and Jeff Lynne. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002. The band played together as recently as last Monday, September 25 at the Hollywood Bowl in celebration of their 40th anniversary tour.
Following his passing, the rock musician was remembered by celebs from all walks of life.
