Brian Wilson reportedly died of respiratory arrest

Brian Wilson died of respiratory arrest, with contributing factors including sepsis and cystitis, according to a death certificate obtained by TMZ.

The document also noted that the Beach Boys co-founder had several underlying health conditions, including chronic respiratory failure, obstructive sleep apnea, chronic kidney disease and a neurodegenerative disorder.

Wilson, whose health had declined significantly over the past year, was placed under a conservatorship in early 2024 following a dementia diagnosis. His death on June 11 came just over a year after the passing of his wife, Melinda Ledbetter Wilson.

The singer's family announced his death in a public statement, asking for privacy as they mourned. Tributes quickly poured in from across the music world, with artists such as Elton John and Bruce Springsteen honouring the legacy of the visionary songwriter.

Wilson was buried at Pierce Brothers Westwood Village Memorial Park in Los Angeles. He is survived by six children and is remembered for his innovative approach to composition and recording that lay the blueprint for modern pop music.

The Beach Boys' 11th studio album Pet Sounds is widely regarded by critics as one of the greatest albums in music history.

"The world mourns a genius today, and we grieve for the loss of our cousin, our friend, and our partner in a great musical adventure," the Beach Boys wrote in a statement after his passing.

"Brian Wilson wasn’t just the heart of the Beach Boys, he was the soul of our sound. The melodies he dreamed up and the emotions he poured into every note changed the course of music forever."