It's been confirmed that the late rock legend Tom Petty died from an accidental drug overdose, due to a mixture of medications that the musician had been taking to cope with pain.

The US icon passed away on October 2 of last year at the age of 66.

In a statement uploaded to Petty’s official website by his widow, Dana, and daughter, Adria, it was explained that the results of Petty's autopsy showed that he had suffered from emphysema and a fractured hip and knee problems, which caused him unbearable pain, yet he continued to tour throughout. 

His family said: "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.

“We knew before the report was shared with us that he was prescribed various pain medications for a multitude of issues including Fentanyl patches and we feel confident that this was, as the coroner found, an unfortunate accident.

“As a family we recognise this report may spark a further discussion on the opioid crisis and we feel that it is a healthy and necessary discussion and we hope in some way this report can save lives. Many people who overdose begin with a legitimate injury or simply do not understand the potency and deadly nature of these medications.“

His family added that the results of the autopsy had given them closure that the star, “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.

"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.

"Thank you also for respecting the memory of a man who was truly great during his time on this planet both publicly and privately.

"We would be grateful if you could respect the privacy of the entire Heartbreaker family during this difficult time.

"Dana Petty and Adria Petty"

Petty was buried on October 16 during a private ceremony at a yoga retreat in California.

Watch the late, great Tom Petty in action, below: