The ‘American Girl’ musician is said to be “clinging to life”, although there was some confusion after reports claimed he had already passed away, which were later clarified as incorrect.
Before the situation was made clear, many stars and fans paid tribute to the iconic performer, with ‘Girls Just Wanna Have Fun’ hitmaker Cyndi amongst those who spoke out.
After the initial reports, she tweeted: “Oh man Tom Petty is gone. He was really great. He will be missed. Thoughts and prayers go to his family right now. RIP.”
Juliette Lewis – who shared a clip from Petty’s final concert at Hollywood Bowl in California on September 25 – asked her fans and followers to keep the singer in their prayers.
She wrote: “Hey everyone TOM PETTY IS NOT DEAD!! Let’s all send him healing energy!!! #prayfortompetty” Motley Crue star Nikki Sixx also reached out on social media, as he described the influential songwriter as one of the best of a generation.
He tweeted: “Tom Petty. One of the greatest songwriters of our generation. Thank you for ALL the music. Prayers to your family & band members.#RIPTomPetty.”
While CBS had previously reported that the singer had died, the Los Angeles Police Department has since clarified its statement to the news corporation.
Now, gossip website TMZ – who initially reported his hospitalisation – have reported while Petty is not expected to survive through the day, he is “still clinging to life” after a chaplain was called to his hospital room.
It is said the family has a do not resuscitate order on the musician.
