On December 26, 2006, Bredesen fell down the stairs in his home, fracturing his skull and causing major bleeding in his brain. He died at Palomar Hospital from complications from the fall three days later on December 29.
On December 26, 2006, Bredesen fell down his stairs, sustaining a head injury that led to significant brain bleeding. He passed away due to complications from the fall at Palomar Hospital on December 29.