Health Topicscirculatory systemRock Star Tom Petty Is Dead at 66

Rock Star Tom Petty Is Dead at 66

The singer experienced full cardiac arrest.

By Sharecare Editors

Medically reviewed in March 2022

Tom Petty, the rock and roll legend best known for fronting Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, is dead at age 66.

Petty was found unconscious, not breathing and experiencing full cardiac arrest in his Malibu home early Monday morning. He was taken to UCLA Medical Center for treatment but could not be revived, his manager, Tony Dimitriades, said in a a statement.

"He died peacefully at 8:40pm PT surrounded by family, his bandmates and friends," he added.  

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers rose to fame in the 1970s and enjoyed a string of top hits including “American Girl,” “Free Fallin’” and “I Won’t Back Down.” With so many classic rock staples, Petty and the band were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002.

The group just finished their summer tour last week. 

Photo credit: musicisentropy

More On

Why a Rapid Heartbeat Increases Your Risk For Stroke

article

Why a Rapid Heartbeat Increases Your Risk For Stroke
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) and atrial flutter are two common arrhythmias, or abnormal heart rhythms. Both conditions result from abnormal electrical s...
6 Foods That Can Lower Blood Pressure

slideshow

6 Foods That Can Lower Blood Pressure
These simple swaps can reduce your heart disease risk.
This Could Be the Most Important Meal for Your Heart

article

This Could Be the Most Important Meal for Your Heart
You’ve heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. And, in fact, a growing body of evidence suggests that eating a morning meal has a ...
Improve Blood Sugar with This Snack

article

Improve Blood Sugar with This Snack
Control your blood sugar by pushing aside the whole-grain muffins and grabbing this for your midmorning snack: a handful of mixed nuts. In a small st...
Do You Need to See an Electrophysiologist?

article

Do You Need to See an Electrophysiologist?
A variety of problems can affect the heart’s size, shape and how well it’s able to function. These conditions range from high blood pressure and high ...