Brian Wilson’s Cause Of Death Revealed After Beach Boys Legend Died Aged 82 Following Health Battle

BEACH Boys legend Brian Wilson died from respiratory arrest after a series of serious health issues, his death certificate has revealed.

The 82-year-old music icon “simply stopped breathing” amid a battle with multiple infections and chronic illnesses.

The Mega AgencyBeach Boys legend Brian Wilson passed away aged 82[/caption] GettyWilson founded the Beach Boys with his two brothers, a cousin and a friend[/caption] The musician’s cause of death has now been revealed APThe Beach Boys, from left, Al Jardine, Carl Wilson, Brian Wilson and Mike Love, hold their trophies after being inducted into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame in 1988[/caption]

Documents obtained by TMZ say the official cause of death is listed as respiratory arrest — a condition in which the heart keeps beating but the lungs stop working, making it impossible to take in oxygen.

Sepsis and cystitis, both linked to infections, were also noted as contributing factors.

The document also listed a range of associated health problems including a neurodegenerative disorder, obstructive sleep apnea, chronic respiratory failure, and chronic kidney disease.

Brian’s family had previously revealed he was suffering from a “major neurocognitive disorder” — a degenerative illness similar to dementia — which left him “unable to properly provide for his […] personal needs for physical health, food, clothing, or shelter”, according to court docs.

Wilson’s conservatorship

After being diagosed, Wilson’s family filed for a conservatorship to manage his affairs.

A judge granted the petition after ruling there was “clear and convincing evidence that a conservatorship of the person is necessary”.

His longtime reps Jean Sievers and LeeAnn Hard were appointed to oversee his care and consult his children on all major healthcare decisions.

Wilson’s lawyer said he had become “most difficult to understand”, and the judge concluded “the conservatee lacks the capacity to make his own healthcare decisions.”

Star gone

The heartbreaking update comes after his family announced his passing, writing: “They were heartbroken and asking for privacy during this difficult time.”

Wilson co-founded the Beach Boys and led the band during its early chart-topping years, before the group famously imploded amid personal and creative tensions.

His final performance was in Michigan in July 2022, where he closed out a summer tour by playing hits like Surfin’ USA — a track that helped propel the Beach Boys into international stardom.

Tributes flooded in after his death, with broadcaster Piers Morgan writing: “RIP Brian Wilson, 82. Co-creator of the Beach Boys, and the man who wrote one of the greatest pop songs in history, God Only Knows, when he was just 23. A complex man but a musical genius and showbusiness icon. What a legacy he leaves.”

Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood added: “Oh no Brian Wilson and Sly Stone in one week – my world is in mourning […] so sad.”

Radio DJ Tony Blackburn also wrote online: “So sorry to hear that Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys has passed away. So many hits and to me it was the sound of summer. RIP Brian and thanks for the music.”

In a statement on his official website, Wilson’s family said: “We are heartbroken to announce that our beloved father Brian Wilson has passed away. 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.”

APA portrait of the late Beach Boys leader Brian Wilson is displayed on a Beach Boys monument at the site of Wilson’s childhood home on June 12[/caption] EPAFlowers lie on the Beach Boys Hollywood Walk of Fame star in Los Angeles[/caption]

Celebrated for his genius as a songwriter and perfectionist with perfect pitch, Wilson crafted Beach Boys classics including Surfin’ USA, Surfer Girl, I Get Around, All Summer Long, Don’t Worry Baby, and California Girls.

The band — originally named the Pendletones — was formed by Wilson in Inglewood, California, as a teen alongside his brothers Dennis and Carl, cousin Mike Love, and school friend Al Jardine.

Brian was the eldest and last surviving of the Wilson brothers.

Their 1966 album Pet Sounds remains one of the most influential records of all time — ranked No. 2 on Rolling Stone’s greatest albums list in 2003.

Paul McCartney called it a direct inspiration for Sgt. Pepper’s and named God Only Knows one of his favourite songs.

Despite his brilliance, Wilson battled mental illness throughout his life and was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia in 1984.

He suffered a breakdown in 1964 and retired from touring, with Bruce Johnston taking his place on stage.

The Beach Boys went on to sell over 100 million records, scoring more than 30 Top 40 singles and becoming synonymous with the California sound that defined an era.

Brian Wilson’s tragic death came one year after the passing of his wife Melinda in 2024.

AlamyWilson was the eldest and last surviving of the three brothers in the band[/caption]