Two weeks after the passing of Beach Boys legend Brian Wilson, new details have emerged about the cause of his death. According to Wilson’s death certificate obtained by TMZ, he died from respiratory arrest — a condition where the lungs stop working while the heart continues to beat, cutting off oxygen to the body and ultimately causing death.
Several other health issues contributed to his passing, including sepsis, cystitis, neurodegenerative disorder, obstructive sleep apnea, chronic respiratory failure, and chronic kidney disease.
Brian Wilson was the driving force behind The Beach Boys, leading them to become one of rock’s most iconic and successful bands. Their catalog spans sun-soaked anthems about surfing, cars, and California youth, as well as deeply emotional songs exploring love and loss. Hits like “Good Vibrations,” “I Get Around,” and “Help Me, Rhonda” dominated the charts, while classics such as “California Girls,” “Surfin’ USA,” and “Little Deuce Coupe” captured the imagination of generations worldwide.
The band’s influence extends far beyond their commercial success, with timeless tracks like “God Only Knows” — ranked No. 1 on Consequence of Sound’s 2012 list of the 100 Greatest Songs of All Time — “Don’t Worry Baby,” “Surfer Girl,” and “In My Room.” Other fan favorites include “Be True to Your School,” “All Summer Long,” “Wouldn’t It Be Nice,” “Wendy,” “Heroes and Villains,” and “Sloop John B,” among many others.
Wilson’s legacy endures through this remarkable body of work, which continues to resonate with fans and musicians alike.
