Patridge Family star David Cassidy dies at 67

David Cassidy, known as Keith Partridge in the hit 1970s series The Partridge Family, died from organ failure

David Cassidy in the 70s
David Cassidy in the 70s

US teen idol David Cassidy, known for his character of Keith Partridge on the 1970s series The Partridge Family, has died at the age of 67 from organ failure.

Cassidy was hospitalised in Florida for several days, after both his kidney and liver failed.

His death was confirmed by his publicist Jo-Ann Geffen, who shared a statement on behalf of his family.

“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of  our father, our uncle, and our dear brother, David Cassidy.

“David died surrounded by those he loved, with joy in his heart and free from the pain that had gripped him for so long. Thank you for the abundance and support you have shown him these many years”.

As the star of the Partridge Family, “Cassidymania” followed suit, with countless young fans screaming his name. He played the eldest of five siblings in a band.

The Partridge Family (Photo: People)
The Partridge Family (Photo: People)

The mother, Shirley Partridge, was played by Cassidy’s step mother in real life, Shirley Jones, and the show was such a hit that eight studio albums were released, with Cassidy, who was initially cast for his looks and not his voice, taking the lead in recordings with Shirley. they were the only two cast members who sang on the records.

Cassidy quit the show to focus on his own solo career, releasing a handful of albums through the 1970s, 80s and 90s, returning to the top five of the UK album charts for the first time since 1974, with his record ‘Then And Now’ in 2001.

In 2008, Cassidy admitted to having an issue with alcohol and was arrested in Florida in 2010 for driving under the influence. He was charged again in New York in 2013, which he was sentenced for in 2015.

In February 2017, after falling down during a concert, Cassidy revealed that he was suffering from non-Alzheimer’s dementia – the same condition his mother Evelyn Ward had, and the prevention of which he had campaigned for after her death.

On 18 November, it was announced that Cassidy was being hospitalised with organ failure in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and was in a medically induced coma waiting for a liver transplant.

He is survived by his children Beau and Katie, his stepmother Shirley Jones and his half-brothers Ryan, Shaun and Patrick.

Musicians and actors the world over have shared their memories and condolences.