Tom Petty is reportedly 'clinging to life' after suffering full cardiac arrest
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Update 5:19 p.m. ET: The Los Angeles Police Department said Monday that it could not confirm Petty's passing after all. "The LAPD has no information about the passing of singer Tom Petty. Initial information was inadvertently provided to some media sources. However, the LAPD has no investigative role in this matter," the department wrote on Twitter. Petty's current health status is unknown, though TMZ reports he is "clinging to life" but "not expected to live throughout the day." Our original story appears below.
Tom Petty of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers died Monday at the age of 66. He was found unconscious in his home after suffering full cardiac arrest late Sunday, TMZ reports. He was then rushed to the hospital, but was taken off life support Monday because he had no brain activity, TMZ says. The Los Angeles Police confirmed to CBS News that the legendary musician had died.
Petty, famous for songs like "I Won't Back Down" and "Free Fallin,'" had just finished a national anniversary tour with his band a week ago: "Thanks to everyone for supporting us for the last 40 years!" he tweeted Friday. "Without YOU there'd be no US!" Jeva Lange
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Jeva Lange was the executive editor at TheWeek.com. She formerly served as The Week's deputy editor and culture critic. She is also a contributor to Screen Slate, and her writing has appeared in The New York Daily News, The Awl, Vice, and Gothamist, among other publications. Jeva lives in New York City. Follow her on Twitter.
