Brian Wilson’s Cause of Death Revealed: Respiratory Arrest, Sepsis, and Chronic Health Issues

The legendary musician’s cause of death revealed

Brian Wilson, the visionary behind The Beach Boys’ iconic sound, passed away at the age of 82 on June 11, 2025, in his Beverly Hills home. The official cause of death, as confirmed by a death certificate obtained by USA TODAY on June 30, was due to respiratory arrest, which occurs when a person stops breathing. The music icon, known for his timeless contributions to surf rock, had reportedly experienced several minutes of respiratory distress that morning.

Additional contributing factors to his death included sepsis, a serious infection-triggered bodily response, cystitis (a bladder infection), and several chronic health conditions, including neurodegenerative disorder, obstructive sleep apnea, chronic respiratory failure, and chronic kidney disease.

Wilson, whose innovative music continues to resonate worldwide, was cremated and laid to rest in a cemetery in Westwood, near UCLA.

A Legacy of Timeless Music
Brian Wilson’s legacy is immortalized through some of the most influential songs in music history, including “Good Vibrations,” “God Only Knows,” and “Wouldn’t It Be Nice.” His work with The Beach Boys redefined the sound of Southern California in the 1960s and has influenced generations of artists.

A Family’s Heartfelt Tribute
On the day of his death, Wilson’s family announced the news on social media with a heartfelt message that read, “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.”

Wilson is survived by his daughters, Carnie and Wendy Wilson, who became well-known as part of the group Wilson Phillips. Carnie paid tribute to her father on Instagram, writing, “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.”

Life Under Conservatorship
Prior to his death, Wilson had been under a conservatorship, which was established in 2024 due to his ongoing battle with dementia. The petition filed by his longtime manager and publicist stated that Wilson was unable to care for his physical health and personal needs without assistance.

Wilson’s wife, Melinda Ledbetter, passed away earlier this year in January 2024, further deepening the musician’s challenges in his final years.

As fans and family mourn his passing, Brian Wilson’s influence on music remains undeniable, and his artistic contributions will continue to inspire for years to come.

Rest in peace, Brian. Your music lives on.