The Beach Boys Cofounder Brian Wilson’s Cause of Death Revealed

The Beach Boys cofounder Brian Wilson’s cause of death has been confirmed two weeks after he died at age 82 on June 11.

A death certificate from the city of Los Angeles obtained by TMZ indicates that Wilson died of natural causes after experiencing respiratory arrest. Pulmonary rehabilitation clinic Carda Health describes respiratory arrest as “the most critical type of breathing condition” because it occurs when the lungs stop functioning, thus making it impossible for a person to get necessary oxygen.

Coroners also found numerous underlying health issues were in play as well, including sepsis and cystitis (which is an inflammation of the bladder). Sleep apnea, chronic kidney disease, chronic respiratory failure and a neurodegenerative disorder were also listed as contributing factors in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee’s death.

Brian’s passing was announced by his family – including daughters Carnie and Wendy, of the band Wilson Phillips – earlier this month.

Brian Wilson’s Family Reacts to Beach Boy’s Death

“We are heartbroken to announce that our beloved father Brian Wilson has passed away,” his family wrote via Facebook on June 11. “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.”

Wilson’s former Beach Boys bandmates, Mike Love and Bruce Johnston, mourned the loss of “a genius” in their own statement acknowledging his death.

“We grieve for the loss of our cousin, our friend, and our partner in a great musical adventure,” The Beach Boys wrote via Instagram. “Brian Wilson wasn’t just the heart of The Beach Boys — he was the soul of our sound. The melodies he dreamed up and the emotions he poured into every note changed the course of music forever.”

Their statement continued, “[Brian’s] 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.”

Brian Wilson in August 2007. Harry Langdon/Getty Images

Wilson was in ill health for his last few years. His family requested a conservatorship be put in place in 2024, after Wilson was diagnosed with a “major neurocognitive disorder such as dementia.”

“Following the passing of Brian’s beloved wife, Melinda [Ledbetter], after careful consideration and consultation among Brian, his seven children, [housekeeper] Gloria Ramos and Brian’s doctors (and consistent with family processes put in place by Brian and Melinda), we are confirming that longtime Wilson family representatives LeeAnn Hard and Jean Sievers will serve as Brian’s co-conservators of the person,” the family explained at the time.

Carnie Wilson Used to Think Beach Boys' Dennis Wilson, Her Uncle, Was 'Sexy'

Brian formed the original incarnation of The Beach Boys with brothers Carl and Dennis Wilson, their cousin Love and high school friend Al Jardine in Hawthorne, California in 1961. Brian retired from touring with the group in the mid-1960s due to mental health issues, but would later rejoin The Beach Boys as a touring member and chief songwriter in the 1970s. He last regularly performed with Love and Jardine in 2012 for the Beach Boys’ 50th anniversary tour. (Brian’s brothers Dennis and Carl died in 1983 and 1998, respectively.)

Brian is survived by daughters Wendy and Carnie, as well as his five adopted children Dakota, Daria, Delanie, Dylan and Dash. His second wife, Melinda, died in January 2024.