Rock bassist and producer Howie Epstein, who parted ways with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers last year after a tenure that began in 1982, died on Sunday night (2/23). The cause of death wasn't immediately known, but authorities suspect a drug overdose.

According to the Santa Fe Sheriff's department, Epstein, 47, was taken to the hospital by his girlfriend after he passed out in the bathroom of a friend's house. Investigators were told that Epstein had been using heroin, Maj. Ron Madrid of the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Department told the Santa Fe New Mexican.

Epstein reportedly was taking antibiotics for an illness, and had recently suffered from flu, stomach problems and an abscess on his leg.

"We are deeply saddened at the news of Howie's passing," said a statement posted to Tom Petty's official website. "It's difficult to put into words how much we loved him and will miss him. The world has lost a great talent and a kind and gentle soul. We can only take solace in knowing he is now at peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and his many friends."

Petty fired Epstein from the Heartbreakers in 2001 due to his "ongoing personal problems," according to a statement issued at the time.

Earlier in 2001, Epstein was arrested in New Mexico with longtime girlfriend Carlene Carter--stepdaughter of country singer Johnny Cash and daughter of June Carter Cash--after 2.9 grams of black-tar heroin was found in the Jeep in which they were traveling, which had been reported stolen.

Epstein wasn't charged in the case; Carter later pleaded no contest to a heroin possession charge and was sentenced to 18 month of probation. Epstein and Carter have since split.

Besides his work with the Heartbreakers, Epstein produced John Prine's GRAMMY^®-winning 1991 album "The Missing Years," as well as two of Carter's albums.

He played bass on Bob Dylan's "Empire Burlesque" and "Knocked Out Loaded" albums, and on Roy Orbison's "Mystery Girl" LP.

A native of Milwaukee, Epstein is survived by a 15-year-old daughter and two brothers.