Former teen heartthrob David Cassidy dies at 67

David Cassidy died "surrounded by those he loved," his publicist JoAnn Geffen said on Tuesday.

The one-time teen idol was hospitalized with liver and kidney failure over the weekend and passed away at a hospital in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Earlier media reports had suggested he had been in a coma.

Cassidy first found fame as the breakaway star of the early 1970s sitcom "The Partridge Family."

He played teenage musician Keith Partridge, whose widowed mother and siblings formed a touring pop band.

Cassidy, who was cast as the oldest son at the age of 19, soon became known as the show's teenage heartthrob. The show produced several hit songs, including "I Think I Love You" in 1970.

Struggles with alcohol, drugs

Cassidy continued to pursue a music carrier after the series ended in 1974. However, he later struggled with alcohol and drug abuse, and was arrested several times for driving under the influence. He also declared bankruptcy in 2015.

The news of his death comes some nine months after Cassidy admitted he was suffering from dementia. Videos from one his recent concerts showed him slurring, forgetting lyrics and tripping across the stage.

Cassidy soon announced he would stop touring and focus on "what I am, who I am and how I've been without any distractions," according to an interview with People magazine in February.

Cassidy's mother, Evelyn Ward, died of dementia in 2012. His grandfather reportedly also suffered from the condition.

dj/cmk (AP, Reuters)