Beach Boys star Brian Wilson's cause of death revealed after shock passing

Beach Boys icon Brian Wilson died from respiratory arrest, his official death certificate has confirmed. The legendary musician, who passed away earlier this month at the age of 82, had been battling multiple serious health conditions in the lead-up to his death. According to documents obtained byTMZ, Wilson's main cause of death was respiratory arrest - when the lungs stop functioning even though the heart may still be beating. Other contributing factors listed include sepsis and cystitis - both infection-related - as well as obstructive sleep apnea, chronic respiratory failure, chronic kidney disease, and a neurodegenerative disorder.

Wilson had been suffering from dementia in recent years, and his health was in steady decline following the death of his beloved wife Melinda in 2024. His family filed for a conservatorship soon after to help manage his care and affairs. The music world was left reeling following the announcement of Wilson's death on June 11, shared via his official Instagram account. "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," the statement read.

Wilson's daughter, Carnie Wilson, also paid tribute in a moving Instagram post. "I have no words to express the sadness I feel right now.

"My Father @brianwilsonlive was every fiber of my body. He will be remembered by millions and millions until the world ends," she wrote.

"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."

Wilson co-founded The Beach Boys in 1961 alongside brothers Dennis and Carl, cousin Mike Love and friend Al Jardine.

Known for their rich harmonies and sun-soaked sound, the band went on to define an era and influence generations of musicians.

Brian became the group's primary songwriter and visionary, but his later years were marked by serious health issues.

In 2024, Wilson was diagnosed with a major neurocognitive disorder and placed under a conservatorship after the death of his wife and longtime carer, Melinda Ledbetter Wilson.

His publicist confirmed the diagnosis to The New York Times, noting Wilson's increasing struggles with daily activities.

His family petitioned the court to place him under conservatorship to avoid disruption at home and ensure continuity of care.

A doctor's note included in the filing stated that Wilson was unable to manage his basic personal needs and required dementia medication.

He reportedly struggled with memory, including difficulty naming all of his children, though he remained aware of his own identity and surroundings.

The conservatorship, approved by a California judge in May 2024, named Wilson's longtime publicist Jean Sievers and his manager LeeAnn Hard as conservators.

They were tasked with keeping daughters Carnie and Wendy Wilson informed about major medical decisions.