David Lynch’s cause of death revealed weeks after iconic director’s death at 78
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: David Lynch's official cause of death has been revealed nearly a month after the death of acclaimed filmmaker.
According to a death certificate from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Lynch died from cardiac arrest as a result of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
David Lynch's cause of death
The document, first reported by TMZ and later confirmed by The Independent, also listed dehydration as a contributing factor.
The news comes three weeks after Lynch’s family announced his death on January 16 via a heartfelt social media statement.
“It is with deep regret that we, his family, announce the passing of the man and the artist, David Lynch. We would appreciate some privacy at this time,” the statement read.
“There’s a big hole in the world now that he’s no longer with us. But, as he would say, ‘Keep your eye on the donut and not on the hole,’” the statement added.
Inside David Lynch's filmmaking legacy
Renowned for his distinctive, surrealist storytelling, David Lynch’s filmography is marked by some of the most celebrated works in modern cinema.
From the cult-classic TV series 'Twin Peaks' to groundbreaking films like 'The Elephant Man', 'Blue Velvet', and 'Mulholland Drive', Lynch’s creative vision shaped generations of filmmakers and artists.
Beyond cinema, Lynch’s influence extended to literature and music.
His books, including 'Catching the Big Fish: Meditation, Consciousness, and Creativity' (2006) and 'Room to Dream' (2018), provided insight into his unique artistic mind.
He also ventured into music videos, directing projects for artists such as Moby, Nine Inch Nails, and Donovan.
Most recently, he made an appearance as legendary director John Ford in Steven Spielberg’s 'The Fabelmans' (2022).
Hollywood pays tribute to David Lynch
The loss of David Lynch has been deeply felt across Hollywood, with tributes pouring in from some of his closest collaborators.
Actor Kyle MacLachlan, who worked extensively with Lynch on 'Dune', 'Blue Velvet', and 'Twin Peaks', penned an emotional tribute, saying the director had “plucked me out of obscurity.”
View this post on Instagram
“He clearly saw something in me that even I didn’t recognize. I owe my entire career, and life really, to his vision,” MacLachlan wrote.
“What I saw in him was an enigmatic and intuitive man with a creative ocean bursting forth inside of him. He was in touch with something the rest of us wish we could get to,” she added.
“I will miss him more than the limits of my language can tell and my heart can bear. My world is that much fuller because I knew him and that much emptier now that he’s gone," MacLachlan continued.
Naomi Watts, who starred in 'Mulholland Drive', also shared her heartbreak on Instagram. “He put me on the map,” she wrote.
View this post on Instagram
"The world I’d been trying to break into for ten plus years, flunking auditions left and right. Finally, I sat in front of a curious man, beaming with light, speaking words from another era, making me laugh and feel at ease,” Watts shared.
“I just cannot believe that he’s gone. I’m in pieces but forever grateful for our friendship. I’m yelling from the bullhorn: Godspeed, Buddy Dave! Thank you for your everything," she concluded.
Lynch is survived by his estranged wife, Emily Stofle, and four children, including filmmaker Jennifer Lynch.
