Howie Epstein, a former bass player for Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, died of what authorities suspect was a drug overdose. He was 47.
Investigators were told that Mr. Epstein had been using heroin, said Maj. Ron Madrid of the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Department. Mr. Epstein was driven to a hospital by his girlfriend, who described him as “under distress.” He died Sunday.
Mr. Epstein had been a respected musician and producer for more than 20 years. In addition to his work with Petty, he played on some of Bob Dylan’s albums in the 1980s and produced a Grammy award-winning album for folk singer-songwriter John Prine called “The Missing Years.”
He was singer Carlene Carter’s longtime boyfriend, producing two of her albums, one of which was nominated for a Grammy.
“I’m devastated,” said Carter, the stepdaughter of country singer Johnny Cash and daughter of June Carter Cash. “I loved him very much. My kids thought of Howie as their father.” She said they split in May.
Mr. Epstein teamed with Petty in 1982 and also worked with Roy Orbison, Del Shannon, John Hiatt and Stevie Nicks.
“The world has lost a great talent and a kind and gentle soul,” said a statement on Petty’s Web site.
Mr. Epstein is survived by a daughter and two brothers.
