US singer Tom Petty died from an accidental drug overdose, his family said. The American Girl singer was suffering from “many serious ailments” when he died in October aged 66 – with his family saying the inadvertent overuse of prescription pain medication was the cause. Ringo Starr, Brian May and Bob Dylan were among those who paid tribute to Petty following his death, with Dylan, who performed in the Traveling Wilburys with Petty, saying: “It’s shocking, crushing news. The family added they hoped publicising the results of the coroner’s inquiry would result in a discussion about the “opioid crisis”. “We continue to mourn with you and marvel at Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers’ incredible positive impact on music and the world.

Source: Irish Examiner January 20, 2018 03:33 UTC