Brian Wilson died of "respiratory arrest"

Wilson's death certificate confirms that he died of "respiratory arrest", caused by "decreased respiratory effort", which leads to a lack of oxygen.

Sepsis and cystitis are also listed as other causes of death, according to TMZ, which reports that obstructive sleep apnea, neurodegenerative disorder, chronic respiratory failure and chronic kidney disease were cited as associated factors.

Wilson died shortly before his 83rd birthday, with his family announcing the news of his passing.

In a statement shared on social media, the family said: "We are heartbroken to announce that our beloved father Brian Wilson has passed away.

"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 and Mercy (sic)"

The Beach Boys also released their own statement, describing Wilson as a "genius" and the "soul of [their] sound".

The chart-topping group - who formed in California in 1961 - said: "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.

"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. His unparalleled talent and unique spirit created the soundtrack of so many lives around the globe, including our own.

"Together, we gave the world the American dream of optimism, joy, and a sense of freedom - music that made people feel good, made them believe in summer and endless possibilities.

"We are heartbroken by his passing. We will continue to cherish the timeless music we made together and the joy he brought to millions over the decades. And while we will miss him deeply, his legacy will live on through his songs and in our memories. Our hearts go out to Brian's family and his loved ones during this difficult time."