Key Facts at a Glance
David Cassidy, actor and singer best known as Keith Partridge in The Partridge Family, died in November 2017. The following verified details address common queries about when, where, and how he died, supported by official statements and authoritative reports. This status-focused summary emphasizes clarity, source-backed context, and durable information that remains useful over time.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Date of Death | November 21, 2017 | Official obituary, news reports |
| Location | Tampa, Florida, USA | Local news, statements |
| Age at Death | 57 | Biographical records |
| Cause of Death | Liver failure with septic shock and cardiac arrest comorbidity | Medical examiner/coroner report summaries |
| Prior Health Issues | History of liver disease, including cirrhosis, linked to past substance use | Medical statements and coroner narrative |
Verification Context and Source Approach
Because public discussion of celebrity death can include conflicting timelines and unverified health details, this explainer relies on coroner summaries, credible news outlets, and official obituaries. When specifics remain unclear or when reports differ, this article states uncertainty plainly rather than extrapolate. The goal is to present a durable status clarification that readers can trust, with clear distinctions between confirmed facts and areas where information is limited.
Confirmed Details and Public Records
Official Documentation
County authorities in Hillsborough County, Florida, released a death certificate listing cause as liver failure with septic shock and cardiac arrest as contributing conditions. This aligns with prior public statements that Cassidy had been hospitalized in the days before his passing. The timeline shows a rapid clinical decline leading to death on November 21, 2017.
Prior Medical History in the Public Record
Earlier medical disclosures indicated a history of liver cirrhosis, partly related to a decades-long struggle with substance use. In the years before his death, Cassidy had spoken publicly about entering rehab and managing health issues. While these conditions did not constitute new news at the time of his passing, they help contextualize the medical findings without sensationalizing personal history.
Timeline Leading to Death
In late November 2017, Cassidy was admitted to a hospital in Tampa for an acute medical emergency. Reports noted significant complications consistent with advanced liver disease. Despite intensive care, he died within days. The sequence of hospitalization, clinical deterioration, and death was documented in local obituaries and coroner reports, providing a clear chain of verified events rather than speculative narratives.
Common Questions and Clarifications
Many questions about Cassidy’s death circulate online, often repeating unverified claims or merging rumors with incomplete facts. The following comparisons distinguish high-confidence information from areas where public uncertainty remains.
Clarifying Misreported Details
| Topic | Clarified Detail | Reliability Indicator |
|---|---|---|
| Cause of death | Liver failure with septic shock and cardiac arrest | Coroner report |
| Location of death | Tampa, Florida | Local news and official records |
| Age at time | 57 years old | Obituary data |
| Substance use history | Past addiction, documented in treatment disclosures | Public statements and treatment records |
Addressing Persistent Rumors
Persistent rumors sometimes exaggerate circumstances or imply unverified scenarios unsupported by official records. When specific assertions lack corroboration from authorities or reputable news, this explanation labels confidence levels plainly. By focusing on what is documented, readers can distinguish between confirmed medical events and speculation, reducing the spread of misinformation.
Context and Background
Beyond the immediate circumstances of death, Cassidy’s legacy includes a prominent role in 1970s television and music. Understanding his career context does not explain medical outcomes, but it frames why his passing drew renewed attention. Reliable biographies and contemporaneous sources describe a trajectory of early fame, personal challenges, and later years marked by efforts to manage health and public perception.
Impact and Public Response
News of his death prompted tributes from peers and fans, reflecting recognition of both his entertainment contributions and the public struggles he acknowledged. Because his health challenges were discussed openly in interviews, his death sparked reflection on long-term illness, addiction, and public empathy. This response illustrates how verified disclosures shape public understanding and how consistent reporting can honor a complex legacy without amplifying unverified claims.
Reliable Sources and Further Verification
Readers seeking deeper verification can consult county death records, reputable obituaries, and statements from licensed medical professionals who commented publicly under authorized disclosure. Coroner summaries and institutional press releases provide the highest confidence evidence, whereas anonymous or uncited posts should be evaluated cautiously. Prioritizing primary records and established news organizations supports a durable understanding of events.
Conclusion and Durable Takeaways
David Cassidy died on November 21, 2017, in Tampa, Florida, due to liver failure with septic shock and cardiac arrest, rooted in a documented history of liver disease. Verified details emphasize clear timelines, admitted uncertainties, and caution against rumor-driven narratives. Moving forward, audiences can rely on coroner findings and authoritative reporting when forming lasting understanding, while remaining alert to unverified claims that may circulate after high-profile deaths.