The cause of death for Beach Boys legend Brian Wilson has been confirmed as respiratory arrest, according to his death certificate obtained by TMZ. The 82-year-old musician passed away earlier this month, with respiratory arrest being listed as the primary cause. This condition occurs when the lungs stop functioning, depriving the body of oxygen, while the heart continues to beat.
Additional contributing factors listed include sepsis, cystitis, obstructive sleep apnea, chronic respiratory failure, chronic kidney disease, and a neurodegenerative disorder. These health complications, alongside Wilson’s age, contributed to his death, which was classified as natural causes.
Wilson’s death follows a long period of declining health, which had included dementia, as confirmed by his family last year. His passing was deeply mourned by fans, family, and peers in the music world, with his family requesting privacy during this difficult time.
As the leader and creative force behind The Beach Boys, Wilson’s contributions to rock music are legendary. Known for songs like "Good Vibrations," "God Only Knows," and "Surfin’ USA," he helped shape the sound of the 1960s, creating a catalog that spanned generations. His work with The Beach Boys, with hits that captured the essence of California life, remains influential in both music and pop culture.
Wilson’s wife, Melinda, passed away in 2024, and his family had filed for a conservatorship to handle his affairs shortly afterward. His legacy as a pioneer of American rock continues to be celebrated by music lovers worldwide.
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