Brian Wilson’s Cause of Death Released and the Details Are Heartbreaking originally appeared on Parade.
Co-founder and primary songwriter of the Beach Boys, Brian Wilson, passed away at the age of 82 on June 11. His official cause of death has been released, according to an initial report by TMZ.
Wilson’s primary cause of death was from “respiratory arrest,” which is when the body stops breathing, causing a lack of oxygen and eventual buildup of carbon dioxide, according to VeryWell Health.
Along with respiratory arrest, the report also included infection issues, such as sepsis and cystitis, as well as neurodegenerative disorder, obstructive sleep apnea, chronic respiratory failure and chronic kidney disease.
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On the day of Wilson’s passing, his family posted on social media announcing the news.
“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.”
In 2024, after Wilson’s wife Melinda passed away and he was diagnosed with dementia, his family filed for a conservatorship for his remaining years.
Wilson, who co-founded the iconic Beach Boys in 1961, was considered “a genius” for his recording techniques and pop music creation. While he left the group in 1964, he continued to collaborate with songwriting and production.
Wilson’s solo career spanned over 30 years, giving the world iconic albums such as “Brian Wilson” (1988), “Imagination” (1998), “Brian Wilson Reimagines Gershwin” (2010), and “No Pier Pressure” (2012).
Along with two Grammy Awards and nine Grammy nominations, the Beach Boys singer was inducted, with the group, into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988.
Wilson passed away at age 82, just a few weeks shy of his 83rd birthday. He is survived by his children.
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Brian Wilson’s Cause of Death Released and the Details Are Heartbreaking first appeared on Parade on Jun 26, 2025
This story was originally reported by Parade on Jun 26, 2025, where it first appeared.
