Brian Wilson’s cause of death has been revealed, two weeks after The Beach Boys co-founder died at the age of 82.
The musician died from “respiratory arrest” with sepsis and cystitis included as contributing factors, as per his death certificate which as been viewed by TMZ.
Wilson was in ailing health, with associated factors being neurodegenerative disorder, obstructive sleep apnea, chronic respiratory failure and chronic kidney disease.
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The Beach Boys legend’s death was announced on June 11 by his family.
“We are heartbroken to announce that our beloved father Brian Wilson has passed away,” the statement read, shared on social media.
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“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.”
Brian Wilson died just days before his 83rd birthday on June 20.
The band shared a poignant statement honouring the man they described as the “soul of our sound”, before his devastated daughter and renowned musician Carnie Wilson, 57, said she had “no words” to express her sadness.
“The world mourns a genius today, and we grieve for the loss of our cousin, our friend, and our partner in a great musical adventure,” the band began their post.
“Brian Wilson wasn’t just the heart of The Beach Boys – he was the soul of our sound.”
They continued: “The melodies he dreamed up and the emotions he poured into every note changed the course of music forever. His unparalleled talent and unique spirit created the soundtrack of so many lives around the globe, including our own.
“Together, we gave the world the American dream of optimism, joy, and a sense of freedom – music that made people feel good, made them believe in summer and endless possibilities.”
The band concluded they were “heartbroken” by the loss, but said they would continue to cherish the timeless music they made together over the last few decades.
“While we will miss him deeply, his legacy will live on through his songs and in our memories. Our hearts go out to Brian’s family and his loved ones during this difficult time.”
Meanwhile his daughter Carnie, 57, noted how “lucky” she was to have been his daughter.
“I have no words to express the sadness I feel right now,” she wrote alongside a photo of her and sister Wendy Wilson.
“My Father @brianwilsonlive was every fiber of my body. He will be remembered by millions and millions until the world ends.
“I am lucky to have been his daughter and had a soul connection with him that will live on always. I’ve never felt this kind of pain before, but I know he’s resting up there in heaven… or maybe playing the piano for Grandma Audree his Mom.
“I will post something else soon but this is all my hands will let me type. I love you Daddy…. I miss so much you already.”
Wilson was reportedly unable to care for himself before his death, having been diagnosed with dementia in 2024.
Brian Wilson’s late wife, Melinda Ledbetter Wilson, had been caring for him but died in January 2024.
Wilson’s family file a petition to place him under conservatorship upon her death, to help manage his personal and medical needs.
The family said in a statement to The New York Times: “This decision was made to ensure that there will be no extreme changes to the household, and Brian and the children living at home will be taken care of and remain in the home where they are cared for.”
This was due to a “major neurocognitive disorder”. The musician was also being assisted by a caregiver and walking with the aid of a walker.
He had battled mental health conditions throughout his life including schizoaffective disorder.
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In 1961, Wilson wrote his first original melody in Surfer Girl, according to the biography on his official website.
The same year, Wilson and cousin Mike Love wrote Surfin, recording the song with Wilson’s brothers, Dennis, and Carl, and friend Al Jardine – and soon after becoming known as the Beach Boys.
The song was included in the group’s 1962 debut album, Surfin Safari.
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But the high demands of a relentless industry proved too much and in late December 1964, Wilson suffered a nervous breakdown and stopped touring.
“I probably had a little too much too soon,” he speculated to CNN’s Larry King in 2004.
It would mark the beginning of his experience with depression, which Wilson said never really went away.
Wilson had said in his mind, The Beach Boys broke up in 1998, after Carl Wilson died of lung cancer.
Dennis Wilson died in 1983 in a swimming accident.
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