Music legend Brian Wilson died of “respiratory arrest,” according to a report by TMZ. The report says TMZ has obtained Wilson’s death certificate, which also lists sepsis and cystitis (or inflammation) as factors in his demise.
Wilson, co-founder of the Beach Boys and the mastermind behind the rock band’s signature sound, died on June 11 at age 82.
“Respiratory arrest happens when the lungs stop functioning, and no air is being exchanged, cutting off oxygen to the body,” according to the American CPR Care Association website.
It’s a medical emergency that requires immediate attention, and can lead to cardiac arrest, where the heart stops beating.
The death certificate also lists four other significant heath conditions for Wilson: neurodegenerative disorder, obstructive sleep apnea, chronic respiratory failure and chronic kidney disease.
Wilson’s family announced his death about two weeks ago via social media, saying “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.”
In May 2024, it was announced that Wilson was dealing with “major neurocognitive disorder,” the term used to describe what was previously known as dementia, and would be under a conservatorship following the passing of his wife, Melinda, earlier that year.
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At the time, People reported that two conservators were approved for Wilson, pointing to a court filing on May 9. According to the filing, Wilson’s business manager LeeAnn Hard and longtime manager Jean Siever were appointed as his conservators.
Hard and Sievers were “granted authority to authorize the administration of medications appropriate for the care and treatment of Major Neurocognitive Disorder” after the court found that Wilson “lacks the capacity to make his own healthcare decisions.” The court also said Wilson’s children (Carnie, Wendy, Dakota Rose, Dylan, Delanie Rae, Dash and Daria) had to be consulted by Hard and Sievers regarding any healthcare decisions.
Wilson, a singer, songwriter, composer and producer, was one of the key founders of the Beach Boys in 1961, and is widely credited as the prime architect of the band’s surf-rock sound and distinctive harmonies. Later, Wilson moved on to more complex compositions for the band that included elements of jazz and classical music, as well as unusual instrumentation, sound effects and spiritual/mystical themes.
Wilson’s long list of credits includes Beach Boys hits such as “Surfin’ USA,” “In My Room,” “Little Deuce Coupe,” “Surfer Girl,” “Wouldn’t It Be Nice,” “Good Vibrations,” “God Only Knows” and many more. His resume also includes highly influential albums such as “Pet Sounds,” “Surfer Girl,” “Surfin’ USA,” “Little Deuce Coupe” and more.
Wilson, a member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with the Beach Boys, was a two-time Grammy winner and member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
He stopped touring with the Beach Boys in 1964 after suffering a nervous breakdown and focused on songwriting and producing. His relationship with the band was thorny and complicated over the years, marked by public rifts, lawsuits and more. Wilson’s personal life was difficult, as well, chronicled in documentaries such as 1995’s “Brian Wilson: I Just Wasn’t Made for These Times” and 2021’s “Brian Wilson: Long Promised Road.”
Wilson re-emerged as a solo artist in the late ‘80s, releasing several albums, including a long-awaited project called “Brian Wilson Presents Smile.” Wilson also began to tour again and appeared in Alabama in 2000 and 2017 with his “Pet Sounds” tour.