Legendary rocker Tom Petty died last night (2nd) after suffering from cardiac arrest and was rushed to the hospital. There were several reports that he was declared dead. However, at that time, he was clinging on for life, and after CBS reported he’d passed, they were forced to retract that statement after the LAPD said they had no confirmation that he’d died. It’s now been confirmed by his family that he died peacefully at 8:40 pm PST. He was 66.
Tony Dimitriades, Petty’s longtime manager of Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers spoke on behalf of the family:
“On behalf of the Tom Petty family we are devastated to announce the untimely death of our father, husband, brother, leader and friend Tom Petty.
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 8:40pm PST surrounded by family, his bandmates and friends.
– Tony Dimitriades, longtime manager of Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers on behalf of the family”
Petty’s songs inspired and influenced many genres. Therefore, multiple artists in both rock and metal have shared their reactions on social media:
No! We have lost Tom Petty. From our opening act in the seventies to becoming a brilliant songwriter and performer I have loved his music. pic.twitter.com/yhyPCfm2l6
— Paul Stanley (@PaulStanleyLive) October 2, 2017
Just when I thought today could not get any worse…
R.I.P. Tom Petty. Thank you for your beautiful music and inspiration.— Kid Rock (@KidRock) October 2, 2017
RIP Tom Petty. Such sad news, such a legend.
— Mark Tremonti (@MarkTremonti) October 3, 2017
So sad about Tom Petty, he made some great music. Thoughts are with his family.
— Mick Jagger (@MickJagger) October 3, 2017
RIP Tom Petty pic.twitter.com/2Zkz3XbmpW
— STEPHEN PEARCY (@StephenEPearcy) October 3, 2017
Way too young…Rest In Peace Tom…. You’ll always be remembered as a Giant pic.twitter.com/OBDdtdKBgk
— DOUG ALDRICH (@Douglas_Aldrich) October 2, 2017
Deeply saddened to hear about @tompetty. Another amazing talent has left us…#riptompetty🎸 https://t.co/xKx0gadjoX
— FrankBello (@TheFrankBello) October 2, 2017
As though today weren’t sad enough already. #RIPTomPetty https://t.co/77MJkbZ7oR pic.twitter.com/WO7oY74GyO
— Alex Skolnick (@AlexSkolnick) October 2, 2017
So sad to hear of Tom’s demise…such a wonderful talent & super guy…RIP…:( pic.twitter.com/oVxOpLrAMl
— David Coverdale (@davidcoverdale) October 2, 2017
Goodbye Tom Petty. Thank you for all the light you brought to this world.
— Garbage (@garbage) October 3, 2017
GOD BLESS TOM PETTY • 195O – 2O17 tBLSt SDMF pic.twitter.com/RUmOTRzccR
— Zakk Wylde (@ZakkWyldeBLS) October 3, 2017
No!!!!!!! #riptompetty
— Morgan Rose (@morgan7d) October 2, 2017
Sending love to Tom Petty and his family at this difficult time.
— Paul McCartney (@PaulMcCartney) October 2, 2017
Tom Petty. Without a doubt one of the best god dammit.
— Brendon Small (@_Brendonsmall) October 2, 2017
Tom Petty’s final performance was at the Hollywood Bowl in California on September 25th. The singer was touring in celebration of his 40th anniversary, performing hits throughout his extended career.
We are heartbroken by this news and our thoughts go out to his friends and family during this difficult time.
