(Photo by Samir Hussein/Getty Images)
Rock legend and music icon Tom Petty has died. His long time manager released the following statement to the outlet, confirming the legendary musician’s passing.
“On behalf of the Tom Petty family we are devastated to announce the untimely death of of our father, husband, brother, leader and friend TomPetty. He suffered cardiac arrest at his home in Malibu in the early hours of this morning and was taken to UCLA Medical Center but could not be revived. He died peacefully at 8:40p.m. PT surrounded by family, his bandmates and friends.”
There were multiple reports from CBS News and other major outlets that Petty had passed away mid afternoon on October 2nd. Based on those reports, we also released an article of the same nature, which was removed shortly after realizing that CBS News had received false information. The LAPD released a statement on Twitter after the CBS report came out stating that they could not verify Petty’s passing at that time.
What happened to Tom Petty?
1. Petty Was Found Unconscious in His Home on Sunday
According to TMZ, Petty was at his home in Malibu on Sunday when he went into full cardiac arrest. Emergency services were called, and when they arrived to the home, Petty was unconscious. Petty was not breathing, however law enforcement officials said that EMTs were able to get a pulse on him.
Cardiac arrest is the “abrupt loss of heart function in a person who may or may not have diagnosed heart disease. The time and mode of death are unexpected. It occurs instantly or shortly after symptoms appear,” according to the American Heart Association.
It is unknown if Petty suffered from any type of heart disease prior to his death.
2. Petty Was Rushed to the Hospital & Put on Life Support
According to TMZ, Petty’s wife called 911. The 911 recording can be heard below.
EMTs arrived at his home and rushed Petty to UCLA Santa Monica Hospital. Sources told TMZ that Petty was in critical condition and was immediately put on life support.
People are put on life support — also known as a ventilator that is used to help someone breathe — when their bodies are unable to keep oxygen flowing. During this time, a person’s vitals are monitored and their brain activity can also be checked.
TMZ confirmed that Petty was taken off a life support as he hadn’t been showing any brain activity. The site confirms that the family has a “do not resuscitate” order on Petty, which was likely the reason that he was removed from the ventilator today.
3. Petty Fell Ill Back in August & Had to Reschedule a Couple of Shows
Back in August, Petty was forced to cancel a couple of shows with the Heartbreakers due to laryngitis and bronchitis, according to Mercury News. He was able to recover and the shows that he missed were rescheduled and performed.
“Tom is indeed feeling better & we want to reassure those of you planning to go the shows in NorCal this week that all systems are go,” read a tweet from his account. He went on to finish the 40th anniversary tour with the group last week. He played his very last show at the Hollywood Bowl late last Monday.
4. Petty Wanted to Go on Another Tour
In an interview with Rolling Stone, Petty spoke about his recent tour and thoughts of touring again.
“I started talking about that the other day and got a loud, ‘Shut up!’ Every time I bring it up it hits a wall somewhere. But we’re done in August. After that, it’s not out of the question I’d get the box set together and take it on the road to theaters before the end of the year,” Petty told Rolling Stone.
5. Petty Is Survived by His Wife Dana York & His 2 Daughters From a Previous Marriage
Petty married his wife, Dana York, in 2001, and he was the proud father of two daughters, Adria, 42, and Annkim Petty, from his first marriage to Jane Benyo.
Petty first met York at one of his concerts in Texas. However, the two didn’t start dating until several years later. The two started dating in 1996 and eventually tied the knot in Las Vegas.
Petty passed away at the age of 66. He would have turned 67 in just a few short weeks on October 20th.
After midnight on Tuesday, Annakim posted the following photo on Instagram.
