Cliff Notes – Brian Wilson’s cause of death revealed after Beach Boys icon died aged 82
- Brian Wilson, the last surviving member of the Beach Boys, passed away at 82 due to respiratory arrest, with additional health complications including sepsis and chronic kidney disease.
- The Beach Boys, formed in 1961, became one of the most commercially successful bands, selling over 100 million records and producing iconic hits like “Good Vibrations” and “Surfin’ USA.”
- Tributes from music legends, including Elton John and Bob Dylan, highlighted Wilson’s profound influence on songwriting and his lasting legacy in the music industry.
Brian Wilson’s cause of death revealed after Beach Boys icon died aged 82
Brian Wilson died earlier this month. The Beach Boys star Brian Wilson’s cause of death has been revealed after the last surviving brother from the iconic band died aged 82.
Formed in Hawthorne, California, in 1961, the original line-up of the American rock band included brothers Brian, Dennis and Carl Wilson, their cousin Mike Love, and their friend Al Jardine.
Wilson’s family announced his death earlier this month, after he had been living with a neurocognitive disorder, believed to be dementia.
The iconic band member reportedly died from respiratory arrest, which occurs when the heart is still beating but the lungs stop functioning, according to a death certificate seen by TMZ.
The certificate is also said to list a series of other health issues Wilson was suffering from when he died, including sepsis and cystitis.
Other conditions reportedly listed were neurodegenerative disorder, obstructive sleep apnea, chronic respiratory failure and chronic kidney disease.
The Beach Boys were initially a garage band
The Beach Boys were once of the most commercially successful bands of all time, selling more than 100 million records globally. The band said ‘the world mourns a genius’.
Originally established as a garage band focused on Wilson’s songwriting and managed by their father Murry Wilson, the Beach Boys had their first national hit in 1963 with the hit song Surfin’ USA.
Before the end of the decade the band released an astonishing 15 albums. Other notable hits that followed included Good Vibrations and California Girls.
Wilson’s family announced his death with a post of a photo of him sitting on a park bench in recent years.
They wrote: ‘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.’
Stars who have paid tribute to Brian Wilson
Rolling Stone Keith Richards posting an an extract of his 2010 memoir, Life, about Wilson on Instagram with the caption ‘Rest in Peace!’.
Ronnie Wood also posted on X: ‘Oh no Brian Wilson and Sly Stone in one week – my world is in mourning, so sad.’
Sting paid tribute during a gig in Germany, for which he performed a rendition of God Only Knows.
Sir Elton John said: ”I grew to love him as a person, and for me, he was the biggest influence on my songwriting ever; he was a musical genius and revolutionary. He changed the goalposts when it came to writing songs and shaped music forever. A true giant.’
Bob Dylan also shared a message, writing on X: ‘Heard the sad news about Brian today and thought about all the years I’ve been listening to him and admiring his genius. Rest in peace dear Brian.’
The Beach Boys were once of the most commercially successful bands of all time (Picture: Daniel Knighton/Getty Images)
A few hours later, the band posted a message of its own, saying ‘the world mourns a genius today’, and we grieve for the loss of our cousin, our friend, and our partner in a great musical adventure’.
The statement continued: ‘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.
‘His 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,’ the post read.
‘We are heartbroken by his passing. We will continue to cherish the timeless music we made together and the joy he brought to millions over the decades. And while we will miss him deeply, his legacy will live on through his songs and in our memories.
‘Our hearts go out to Brian’s family and his loved ones during this difficult time.’