Lede: Brian Wilson, the 82-year-old founding member of the Beach Boys and a defining voice of 1960s California pop, died June 11 in his Beverly Hills home after several minutes of respiratory arrest, a death certificate shows. Officials listed respiratory arrest as the immediate cause, with sepsis and cystitis (a bladder infection) noted as contributing factors.
Fast Facts
- Age at death: 82
- Date of death: June 11, 2025
- Location: Beverly Hills, California
- Immediate cause: Respiratory arrest
- Contributing causes: Sepsis, cystitis; also listed: neurodegenerative disorder, obstructive sleep apnea, chronic respiratory failure, chronic kidney disease
- Funeral: Cremated and buried in Westwood (UCLA area)
- Legal status: Placed under a conservatorship in 2024 and receiving dementia medication, per court filings
The Legacy
Wilson reshaped popular music as the principal songwriter, arranger and studio visionary behind the Beach Boys’ lush harmonies and innovative production. His work on Pet Sounds and singles like “Good Vibrations,” “God Only Knows,” and “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” set new standards for pop songwriting and studio craft. He is widely credited with expanding the emotional and technical possibilities of 1960s rock and pop and influenced generations of songwriters and producers.
What the Records Say
According to a death certificate obtained by USA TODAY, Wilson suffered several minutes of respiratory arrest on the morning of June 11. The certificate cites hours of sepsis and days of cystitis as contributing causes. It also lists his long-term medical challenges, including a neurodegenerative disorder, obstructive sleep apnea, chronic respiratory failure and chronic kidney disease.
Family, Fans and The Industry React
The family initially announced his passing publicly the day he died with a short social post that read in part, “We are heartbroken to announce that our beloved father Brian Wilson has passed away… Please respect our privacy at this time as our family is grieving. Love & Mercy.” Daughter Carnie Wilson posted a heartfelt Instagram tribute calling her bond with him a “soul connection” and reflecting on her grief. Tributes poured in from fans, fellow musicians and cultural figures, praising his songwriting, melodic gifts and the comfort his music provided across generations.
TMZ first reported details about the cause of death on June 26; media outlets including USA TODAY released the death-certificate findings June 30. Coverage has emphasized both the clinical causes listed and Wilson’s recent conservatorship after filings in 2024 said he required help for personal care and was taking medication for dementia.
Survivors and Personal Notes
Wilson is survived by daughters Carnie and Wendy Wilson of Wilson Phillips and five adopted children from his second marriage to Melinda Ledbetter. His wife Melinda Ledbetter predeceased him in January 2024. The family has requested privacy as they grieve and has asked that tributes honor his music and influence.
Contributing reporting: Marco della Cava and Edward Segarra. Original reporting and death-certificate details sourced from USA TODAY; TMZ first published early cause details.
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