While singing his most famous song 'Tiptoe Through the Tulips' at a Gala Benefit at The Woman's Club of Minneapolis Tim suffered a heart attack on stage. He was led out by his wife Susan Marie Gardner who asked him if he was okay. Tim responded, "No, I'm not!" Those were to be his final words. Tim collapsed shortly thereafter and was rushed to the hospital where he died after doctors tried to resuscitate him for one hour and fifteen minutes.