Brian Wilson’s Cause of Death Finally Revealed—Shocking Medical Revelations and Unanswered Questions Two Weeks After the Beach Boys Legend Passed Away at 82! What Really Went On Behind the Scenes? Family Secrets, Mysterious Circumstances, and Truths Fans Never Saw

The Beach Boys founder had been placed under a conservatorship less than two years before his death

Wilson died of “respiratory arrest,” which can be caused by “decreased respiratory effort” per Merck Manuals, and leads to a lack of oxygen. Other causes of death listed on his death certificate include sepsis and cystitis. TMZ was first to report the news.

Neurodegenerative disorder, obstructive sleep apnea, chronic respiratory failure and chronic kidney disease are also listed as other associated factors.

The Beach Boys’ founder’s family announced his death on Wednesday, June 11. “We are heartbroken to announce that our beloved father Brian Wilson has passed away,” the statement read, shared on social media.

“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.”

Brian Wilson in 2007.Harry Langdon/Getty

Wilson was born on June 20, 1942, and died weeks before his 83rd birthday. He and his brothers, Dennis and Carl Wilson, along with cousin Mike Love and friend Al Jardine, formed the Beach Boys in California in 1961.

They released their first album, titled Surfin‘ Safari, in 1961. The following year came Surfin’ USA and their subsequent albums helped establish their signature “California sound.” Among their best-known songs are “California Girls,” “God Only Knows,” “Surfin’ USA,” “Good Vibrations” and “Wouldn’t It Be Nice.”

Wilson was part of the band until 1964, when he left to become a full-time studio artist in 1964. He was inducted into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame in 1988 with the rest of the band. Wilson wouldn’t perform with the Beach Boys again until 2012 for their 50th anniversary.

Brian Wilson in 2016.Tibrina Hobson/Getty

Later in his life, following the death of his second wife, Melinda Ledbetter, Wilson’s family filed to place him in a conservatorship in early 2024. They claimed he suffered from a “major neurocognitive disorder (such as dementia),” per the filing.

“Following the passing of Brian’s beloved wife Melinda, after careful consideration and consultation among Brian, his seven children, Gloria Ramos and Brian’s doctors (and consistent with family processes put in place by Brian and Melinda), we are confirming that longtime Wilson family representatives LeeAnn Hard and Jean Sievers will serve as Brian’s co-conservators of the person,” Wilson’s family said in a statement obtained by PEOPLE at the time.

“This decision was made to ensure that there will be no extreme changes to the household and Brian and the children living at home will be taken care of and remain in the home where they are cared for by Gloria Ramos and the wonderful team at the house who have been in place for many years helping take care of the family,” the statement continued.

Brian Wilson, Mike Love, Dennis Wilson, Carl Wilson and David Marks in 1962.Michael Ochs Archives/Getty

In the court filing, Wilson’s family claimed that he was “unable to properly provide for his or her personal needs for physical health, food, clothing, or shelter.”

However, his family said that Wilson was still able to “enjoy all of his family and friends and continue to work on current projects as well as participate in any activities he chooses.”

Wilson is survived by his children.