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(Saturday, July 3, 1971, 5:00 a.m. Central European Time) — James Douglas “Jim” Morrison, an American singer, musician, songwriter and poet, who was the lead vocalist of the rock band The Doors and regarded by music critics and fans as one of the most iconic and influential frontmen in rock history, died unexpectedly this morning in Paris. He was 27.

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Morrison was found dead in the bathtub of the apartment at approximately 6:00 a.m. CET, by girlfriend Pamela Courson at an apartment she had rented for him at 17–19, Rue Beautreillis in Le Marais, 4th arrondissement. On the death certificate, Morrison’s death was determined to have occurred at 5:00 a.m. CET.

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The official cause of death was listed as heart failure, although no autopsy was performed, as it was not required by French law. It has also been reported, by several individuals who say they were eyewitnesses, that his death was due to an accidental heroin overdose.

Morrison would be buried on July 7, 1971, in Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris, one of the city’s most visited tourist attractions, where Irish playwright Oscar Wilde, French cabaret singer Edith Piaf, and many other poets and artists are also buried.

Morrison’s death would not be publicly announced until approximately midnight PDT on July 8/9, 1971.