Brian Wilson, Beach Boys Creative Genius, died at age 82
Brian Wilson, the genius behind the Sunny Beach Boys songs, who helped define popular music in the 60s, passed away.
The 82-year-old cause of death of Brian Wilson, a founding member of Beach Boys, has been released.
The music icon, who helped define Southern California’s surf rock sound in the 1960s, died after experiencing a breathing arrest for several minutes on the morning of June 11 at his Beverly Hills, California, according to a death certificate obtained by USA Today by June 30th.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are several hours of sepsis mentioned as a life-threatening physical response to an infection, the day of cystitis, or bladder infection as a contributing cause.
He also suffered from neurodegenerative disorders, obstructive sleep apnea, chronic respiratory failure, and chronic kidney disease.
Wilson was cremated and buried in a cemetery in the Westwood district, home to Ukra.
TMZ first reported the news on June 26th.
On the day he passed away, his family announced his death on social media without quoting the cause.
“We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our beloved father, Brian Wilson,” the caption read. “We are at a loss for words right now. Our families are grieving, so at this point please respect our privacy. We find ourselves sharing our grief with the world. Love and mercy.”
Brian Wilson was under his guardian before his death.
Wilson was survived by the daughters of Carney and Wendy, the first successful marriage to be part of Wilson Phillips.
“I don’t have words to express the sadness I feel right now,” Carney Wilson wrote on Instagram with a sincere tribute. “I am his daughter and I am fortunate to have always had a soul connection with him. I have never felt this pain before, but I know he is resting in heaven…
He is also survived by five adopted children from remarriage to Melinda Ledbetter.
Brian Wilson was placed under the reserve in 2024.
Wilson was taking medication for dementia, according to a doctor’s declaration filed in the parental petition for longtime manager LeeAnn Hard and spokesperson Jean Sievers. He “didn’t adequately provide his own personal needs for physical health, food, clothing or shelter,” the petition alleged.
His wife, Melinda Ledbetter, passed away in January 2024 at the age of 77.
Contributions: Marco Della Cava and Edward Segara, USA Today
