Brian Wilson’s Official Cause of Death Confirmed: A Look at His Final Days

Two weeks after the passing of iconic Beach Boys co-founder Brian Wilson, his official cause of death has been revealed.

According to a death certificate obtained by TMZ, Wilson died on June 11 from respiratory arrest, with contributing factors including sepsis and cystitis—a bladder inflammation. The certificate also notes Wilson had been suffering from a range of chronic health issues, including a neurodegenerative disorder, obstructive sleep apnea, chronic respiratory failure, and chronic kidney disease.

The 82-year-old music visionary had been under a conservatorship since May 2024 following a decline in cognitive health. Wilson had long battled mental health struggles and substance abuse, challenges he was open about throughout his life.

At the time of his death, Wilson’s family issued a heartfelt statement via his website and social media:

“We are at a loss for words right now. Please respect our privacy at this time as our family is grieving. We realize we are sharing our grief with the world.”

In the days following his passing, tributes poured in from music legends and fans worldwide. Elton John, Bruce Springsteen, Mick Fleetwood, and members of the Rolling Stones honored Wilson’s monumental impact on music. California Governor Gavin Newsom also released a statement recognizing Wilson’s influence:

“He fundamentally changed modern music, helping make the Beach Boys not only the defining American band of their era, but also the California band to this day.”

Wilson was laid to rest on June 18 at Pierce Brothers Westwood Village Memorial Park and Mortuary in Los Angeles.

His death comes more than a year after the loss of his wife, Melinda Ledbetter Wilson, who passed away in January 2024 at age 77. He is survived by six children, including daughters Carnie and Wendy Wilson, who rose to fame as part of the Grammy-nominated group Wilson Phillips.

Wilson was preceded in death by his brothers and fellow Beach Boys bandmates: Dennis Wilson, who drowned in 1983, and Carl Wilson, who died of lung cancer in 1998.