Travis Barker leads star tributes to late Tom Petty

Tributes have flowed in for musician Tom Petty who passed away on Sunday evening (US time) at the age of 66 after going into "full cardiac arrest".

Blink 182's Travis Barker led the string of celebrity tributes, as he took to Twitter writing: ""I wanna write her name in the sky I'm gonna free fall out into nothing Gonna leave this world for a while" Rest in peace Tom Petty".

On Tuesday reports surfaced that Tom had been rushed to hospital "unconscious" after going into "full cardiac arrest" at home Malibu home.

TMZ reported that while he was put on life support, his family made the decision to turn life support off, with the outlet adding Tom was "clinging to life".

At that time, many celebrities had shared heartfelt messages for the star and his family, believing he had already died.

Tom's manager later released a statement, reading: "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".

Earlier this year Tom was admired by his peers, and honoured by some of the biggest musical stars at the Grammy Awards.

Performing together for the first time in nearly three years, the singer-songwriter joined his band the Heartbreakers on stage, and was also honoured by the Foo Fighters, Gary Clark Jr., Don Henley, Chris Hillman And Herb Pedersen, Norah Jones, Elle King, Jeff Lynne, Randy Newman, Stevie Nicks, Regina Spektor, George Strait, the Bangles, and Lucinda William at the event, with the acts performing some of his best known hits.

It had been a big year for the musician, with Tom hitting the road with his band, who first found success in the late 70s, for their 40th anniversary tour.

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers had only concluded their massive tour, which started back in April, days before Tom was rushed to hospital.

However the Free Fallin singer admitted to Rolling Stone magazine earlier this year the tour may be the "last big" one for himself and the band.

"I'm thinking it may be the last trip around the country. It's very likely we'll keep playing, but will we take on 50 shows in one tour? I don't think so. I'd be lying if I didn't say I was thinking this might be the last big one," Tom told the publication.

RELATED: Celebrities react to Vegas shooting
RELATED: WATCH: Mariah blindsided by Vegas shooting question

"We're all on the backside of our sixties. I have a granddaughter now I'd like to see as much as I can. I don't want to spend my life on the road. This tour will take me away for four months. With a little kid, that's a lot of time."

Want more celebrity, entertainment and lifestyle news? Follow Be on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Tumblr and Instagram