Brian Wilson’s Cause of Death Revealed

Beach Boys co-founder Brian Wilson’s cause of death has been revealed.

According to a death certificate obtained by TMZ, Wilson’s primary cause of death was respiratory arrest, with sepsis and cystitis also listed as contributing factors. The document notes several other health issues the 82-year-old musician was facing, including his neurodegenerative disorder, obstructive sleep apnea, chronic respiratory failure, and chronic kidney disease.

Respiratory arrest occurs when a person’s lungs cease functioning, making it impossible to get oxygen, even if the heart is still beating.

The news of Wilson’s passing was announced by his children in a social media statement on June 11th: “We are heartbroken to [announce] that our beloved father Brian Wilson has passed away. We are at a loss for words right now. Please respect our privacy at this time as our family [is] grieving. We realize that we are sharing our grief with the world.”

Indeed, tributes quickly poured in from around the world, including from his bandmates Mike Love and Al Jardine, as well as fellow legendary musicians Paul McCartney, Bob Dylan, and Bruce Springsteen.

Editor’s Note: Read Dan Caffrey’s personal essay on Wilson, fatherhood, and how The Beach Boys’ genius will continue to shape the world after his death.