Beach Boys founder Brian Wilson's cause of death revealed

Two weeks after the death of Brian Wilson , the musical genius who launched the Beach Boys ' career, the causes of his death have been revealed. The 82-year-old artist had been diagnosed a year ago with a neurocognitive disorder similar to dementia, and in recent months his health had deteriorated rapidly, worsening after the death of his wife in January 2024.

According to TMZ, which has obtained the death certificate, Wilson died of respiratory arrest, an episode in which the heart remains functioning even though the lungs cease, preventing oxygen from reaching the body. As the document reflects, the iconic American artist also suffered from other conditions at the time of his death, including sepsis and cystitis.

The certificate also details that Wilson's health was compromised by complications associated with a neurodegenerative disorder, obstructive sleep apnea, chronic respiratory failure, and chronic kidney disease.

In February of last year, shortly after the passing of his wife Melinda, the Wilson family filed for guardianship over Brian due to “significant decline in his cognitive abilities,” reflected by “irrelevant or incoherent comments that arise spontaneously,” and “severely limited attention span and severe difficulty managing his basic needs.” Their petition read: “Following the passing of Brian’s beloved wife, Melinda, after careful consideration and consultation among Brian, their seven children, Gloria Ramos [their housekeeper], and Brian’s physicians (and in accordance with family processes established by Brian and Melinda), we request that the former Wilson family representatives, Lee Ann Hard and Jean Sievers, serve as Brian’s co-guardians.”

A judge granted the family's request and ordered that all of the California musician's personal and medical affairs be placed in the hands of his manager and publicist , Jean Sievers, and his business manager, LeeAnn Hard. His financial assets, according to US media, remained in a trust managed by Hard.

The news of Wilson's death prompted an outpouring of condolences and farewells from figures including Elton John , Keith Richards, Ronnie Wood, Mick Fleetwood, Micky Dolenz, the Backstreet Boys, Randy Bachman, and John Lennon's sons, Julian Lennon and Sean Lennon.

Brian Wilson's physical and mental decline actually began decades ago, even before the Beach Boys' golden age. His father's harsh treatment made him an introspective child, one who didn't have the opportunity to express his emotions. At age 21, in 1963, he began experiencing auditory hallucinations that tormented him, especially at night. Over time, these hallucinations became so intense that they triggered some aggressive behavior in young Brian.

In 1964, he suffered a severe nervous breakdown during a flight on tour with The Beach Boys, after which he decided to retire from live performances, being replaced by Glen Campbell and, later, Bruce Johnston. Wilson used his time at home to compose and record his great masterpiece, "Pet Sounds," but later, when he attempted to continue his streak with "Smile," his mental health deteriorated, aggravated by the use of alcohol, marijuana, LSD, amphetamines, and cocaine.

In the mid-seventies, he experienced severe depressive episodes , especially between 1973 and 1975, following the death of his father. It was then that he secluded himself in his room, neglecting his physical appearance by gaining considerable weight and even stopping composing music, a habit that served as therapy but had become a source of constant pressure for him.

In 1983, the controversial psychiatrist Eugene Landy diagnosed him with paranoid schizophrenia and prescribed him antipsychotics, which led to the development of tardive dyskinesia, a side effect of these drugs. It was only in 2006 that a new, presumably more accurate diagnosis was announced: schizoaffective disorder, characterized by auditory hallucinations, paranoia, and episodes of cyclical depression.

In his solo performances and with the Beach Boys over the past ten or fifteen years, he sometimes seemed distracted and uncomfortable. But his magic always surfaced at some point during those concerts.

He is survived by his daughters Carnie Wilson and Wendy Wilson, aged 57 and 55 respectively, from his marriage to Marilyn, as well as the five children adopted by Melinda: Dakota Rose, Daria Rose, Delanie Rose, Dylan and Dash.