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Tom Petty died of accidental drug overdose after suffering fractured hip on tour

Tom Petty, the much-loved American rock star who passed away in October, died from an accidental drug overdose, it was revealed on Friday.

The music legend, best known for hits such as "Free Fallin'" and "American Girl", died at the age of 66 after a "mixed toxicity" of a variety of medications, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's office said.

Dana and Adria Petty, his wife and daughter, shared the results of the autopsy, which revealed the presence in his body of fentanyl, oxycodone, temazepam, alprazolam, citalopram, acetyl fentanyl, and despropionyl fentanyl.

"Unfortunately Tom's body suffered from many serious ailments including emphysema, knee problems and most significantly a fractured hip," they said in a statement.

"Despite this painful injury he insisted on keeping his commitment to his fans and he toured for 53 dates with a fractured hip and, as he did, it worsened to a more serious injury.

"On the day he died he was informed his hip had graduated to a full on break and it is our feeling that the pain was simply unbearable and was the cause for his over use of medication."

Petty's worldwide sales topped 80 million records and his band the Heartbreakers finished a 40th anniversary tour at the Hollywood Bowl before his death.

His family added: "On a positive note we now know for certain he went painlessly and beautifully exhausted after doing what he loved the most, for one last time, performing live with his unmatchable rock band for his loyal fans on the biggest tour of his 40 plus year career. He was extremely proud of that achievement in the days before he passed.

About | Tom Petty
About | Tom Petty

"We continue to mourn with you and marvel at Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers' incredible positive impact on music and the world. And we thank you all for your love and support over the last months."

Petty, known for his vibrant guitar riffs, distinctive vocals and slick song lyrics, was found unconscious at his home in Malibu on October 2 and died at a hospital later that night.

He carved a career as a solo artist as well as with his band The Heartbreakers and as part of supergroup The Traveling Wilburys.