Rocker Tom Petty dies of cardiac arrest at 66, family confirms

Singer Tom Petty, known for hits like American Girl, has died of cardiac arrest at 66.

Rocker Tom Petty died Monday after suffering a cardiac arrest, his family confirmed, hours after news organizations retracted unconfirmed reports of his death.

Tom Petty -- whose hits include “American Girl,” “Don’t Come Around Here No More” and “Free Fallin’” -- just last week had wrapped up a tour to mark 40 years of his band the Heartbreakers. (REUTERS)

“On behalf of the Tom Petty family we are devastated to announce the untimely death of our father, husband, brother, leader and friend Tom Petty,” a family statement said.

A man touches the Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers star on The Hollywood Walk of Fame after Petty suffered a massive heart attack on Monday.

Petty -- whose hits include “American Girl,” “Don’t Come Around Here No More” and “Free Fallin’” -- just last week had wrapped up a tour to mark 40 years of his band the Heartbreakers.

Born in Gainesville, Florida, Petty has infused his brand of rock ‘n’ roll with Southern influences and a dark lyrical sense, with songs of small-town Americans striving but facing roadblocks.