Music fans are reeling after hearing the news that musician Tom Petty is dead at the age of 66. The singer was reportedly rushed to the hospital Sunday night after being found unconscious in his home, but Monday afternoon it was announced that he had died.
Petty was rushed to the hospital Sunday
TMZ shared the initial details regarding Tom Petty's death. They indicate that the singer was found in his Malibu, California home Sunday evening, not breathing and in full cardiac arrest. He was rushed to the UCLA Santa Monica Hospital and is said to have been put on life support.
Reports indicate that at the hospital, however, Petty was found to have no brain activity. While few specifics about the medical emergency involving the rocker have been released as of yet, TMZ details that on Monday the decision was made to take Petty off of life support. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers had just finished up their most recent tour last Monday, playing three last shows at the Hollywood Bowl. The band did 53 shows around the country, spanning 24 states, to celebrate their 40th anniversary.
The rocker's career spanned more than 4 decades
As CBS details, the band Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002 and they released 13 albums during their time together.
Tom also released three solo albums and played with the Traveling Wilburys in the 1980s. Music fans will remember that the Traveling Wilburys generated a lot of buzz at the time, as the band also included Roy Orbison, George Harrison, Bob Dylan, and Jeff Lynne.
Petty is known for songs such as “Free Fallin',” “Listen to Her Heart,” “Breakdown,” and “I Won't Back Down.” He was a heartthrob for many years early in his career and while the band stayed popular, Petty had recently talked about wanting to ease up on the touring so he could spend more time with his granddaughter.
Tom had two daughters, Adria and AnnaKim, with first wife Jane Benyo. He married second wife Dana York Epperson in 2001.
The musician's popularity crossed multiple genres and generations and fans are heartbroken to hear of his sudden death. Both Petty's name and the hashtag #FreeFallin started to trend on Twitter shortly after his passing was confirmed as people connected with one another to mourn his passing. Tom Petty's work will most certainly live on despite his passing, and the rocker will be remembered fondly for both his music and his personality.
