Just yesterday, Tom Petty was found unconscious in full cardiac arrest at his Malibu home. According to TMZ, he was rushed to the UCLA Santa Monica Hospital where he was put on life support. The 66 year old iconic lead singer of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers is currently in critical condition.
Petty just wrapped up his North American tour last Monday at The Hollywood Bowl. The tour was in celebration of the band’s 40th anniversary. The band also released two studio albums to celebrate the landmark year. In the past year Petty has also been busy at many musical festivals such as: Kaboo Music Festival, New Orleans Jazz Festival, Mountain Jam Festival, Ottawa Blues Festival and Arroyo Seco. He also tried his hands at new role: producer. Chris Hillman, of The Byrds, looked to Petty to produce his most recent album Bidin’ My Time. Petty’s musical future is uncertain at this time.
UPDATE 1: 1:14 pm PST
CBS News has confirmed (in a since-deleted tweet) with LAPD that Petty has passed.
Petty will be remembered for his great contributions to classic rock such as “American Girl,” “Free Fallin'” and “Don’t Do Me Like That.” Petty is survived by his wife Dana York Epperson and his two daughters from his previous marriage to Jane Benyo.
UPDATE 2: 2:37 pm PST
According to TMZ, Petty is still clinging to life. He is not expected to make it through the day at UCLA Santa Monica Hospital, where he was rushed after being discovered in his Malibu home not breathing, unconscious and in the midst of cardiac arrest. The site initially reported that Petty had been removed from life support.
The Los Angeles Police Department has clarified that their earlier confirmation of Petty’s death was inadvertent and they cannot speak to whether or not the singer is dead. According to a pair of tweets, the information was passed along to media sources, but the department has no role in investigating the matter.
UPDATE 3: 4:30 pm PST:
According to Blabbermouth, TMZ has obtained audio of the 911 call from Petty’s wife Dana York after he went into cardiac arrest. The dispatcher instructed her to give him CPR, which got the singer breathing again.
After he was rushed to the hospital, he reportedly had a pulse but had no brain activity. It is reportedly true that the plug has been pulled and with a “do not resuscitate” order in place it is unlikely he will live through the end of the day. This morning, a chaplain arrived to issue last rites to Petty.
This is a breaking story. Check back to this page for updates.
Photo Credit: Brett Padelford
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