Karnataka's legendary saxophonist Kadri Gopalnath died at a private hospital here on Friday. He was 69. "Gopalnath died earlier due to cardiac arrest after he was admitted to A.J. Hospital on Thursday when he complained of breathing and back pain," a state information department official told IANS.

Gopalnath is survived by his widow Sarojini, sons Manikanth and Guruprasad and daughter Ambika Mohan. Manikanth is a noted music director. "The last rites of Gopalnath will take place on Saturday after his eldest son Gurupraad flies to the city from Dubai where he works," the official said, citing a family source.