Two weeks after the death of Brian Wilson, the Beach Boys legend’s cause of death has been revealed.
The Los Angeles County Department of Health’s death certificate, first obtained by TMZ, reveals that Wilson’s primary cause of death was “respiratory arrest,” with sepsis and cystitis listed as contributing factors.
According to the American CPR Care Association, respiratory arrest “occurs when a person’s breathing completely ceases, leading to a lack of oxygen in the body. This condition can quickly progress to cardiac arrest if not treated immediately.”
In addition to the respiratory arrest, sepsis, and cystitis, the autopsy found that Wilson also suffered from several more health issues at the time of his death, including obstructive sleep apnea, chronic kidney disease, chronic respiratory failure, and neurodegenerative disorder; in February 2024, Wilson’s family revealed that the singer was suffering from dementia.
Trending Stories
At the time of Wilson’s June 11 death, his family did not share a cause. “We are heartbroken to announce that our beloved father Brian Wilson has passed away. We are at a loss for words right now,” his family wrote in a statement. “Please respect our privacy at this time as our family is grieving. We realize that we are sharing our grief with the world.”
“The world mourns a genius today, and we grieve for the loss of our cousin, our friend, and our partner in a great musical adventure,” the Beach Boys wrote in a statement. “Brian Wilson wasn’t just the heart of the Beach Boys — he was the soul of our sound. The melodies he dreamed up and the emotions he poured into every note changed the course of music forever. His unparalleled talent and unique spirit created the soundtrack of so many lives around the globe, including our own. Together, we gave the world the American dream of optimism, joy, and a sense of freedom — music that made people feel good, made them believe in summer and endless possibilities.”
