Beach Boys legend Brian Wilson's cause of death revealed two weeks after his death at 82
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Beach Boys co-founder Brian Wilson’s cause of death has been made public two weeks after he died at the age of 82.
According to his death certificate, Wilson died of “respiratory arrest,” which can result from “decreased respiratory effort,” as per Merck Manuals.
The document also lists several other health conditions as contributing factors, TMZ reported.
Brian Wilson died from 'respiratory arrest' with sepsis and chronic illnesses contributing
The legendary musician’s death certificate cites sepsis and cystitis as additional causes of death' besides "infection issues."
Other contributing conditions included a neurodegenerative disorder, obstructive sleep apnea, chronic respiratory failure and chronic kidney disease, TMZ reported.
Wilson's family had announced his death in a June 11 statement shared on his social media.
“We are heartbroken to announce that our beloved father Brian Wilson has passed away,” the post read.
“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. Love & Mercy,” the statement continued.
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Brian Wilson remembered for shaping Beach Boys' sound
Born on June 20, 1942, Wilson died just days before his 83rd birthday. He co-founded the Beach Boys in California in 1961 alongside his brothers Dennis and Carl Wilson, cousin Mike Love and friend Al Jardine.
The band debuted with the album 'Surfin’ Safari in 1961 and followed up with 'Surfin’ USA' a year later.
Their iconic 'California sound' was defined by hits like 'California Girls,' 'God Only Knows,' 'Surfin’ USA,' 'Good Vibrations' and 'Wouldn’t It Be Nice.'
Wilson stepped away from touring with the band in 1964 to focus on studio work. He was later inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988 with the rest of the Beach Boys. He reunited with them again in 2012 to mark the band’s 50th anniversary.
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Brian Wilson's family placed him under conservatorship following his wife’s death in early 2024
In early 2024, Wilson’s family filed to place him under a conservatorship following the death of his second wife, Melinda Ledbetter.
According to the filing, he had been suffering from a “major neurocognitive disorder.”
In the filing, his family stated that Wilson was "unable to properly provide for his or her personal needs for physical health, food, clothing, or shelter."
However, they also mentioned that Wilson was still able to "enjoy all of his family and friends and continue to work on current projects as well as participate in any activities he chooses," People reported.
