The music world was irrevocably changed on July 22, 2025, with the passing of the legendary Black Sabbath frontman, Ozzy Osbourne. The news, which spread rapidly across the globe, brought a definitive end to the decades-long career of the man affectionately known as the "Prince of Darkness." While his life was a spectacular, turbulent saga of rock and roll excess and incredible resilience, his final years were marked by a series of increasingly severe health challenges.
As of this current date, December 18, 2025, the official details surrounding his death have been confirmed and widely reported. The official cause of death for Ozzy Osbourne was a cardiac arrest, with other significant conditions contributing to his passing. This article provides a comprehensive, up-to-date look at the final chapter of his life, the medical conditions that defined his later years, and the official cause of his death.
Ozzy Osbourne: A Final Biography and Profile
The Prince of Darkness lived a life that was anything but ordinary, transitioning from the raw, heavy sound of Black Sabbath to a global reality TV star. His biography is a testament to his enduring cultural impact.
- Full Name: John Michael Osbourne
- Date of Birth: December 3, 1948
- Place of Birth: Aston, Birmingham, England
- Died: July 22, 2025
- Age at Death: 76
- Spouse: Sharon Osbourne (m. 1982)
- Children: Aimee, Kelly, Jack, Jessica, Louis, and Elliot
- Primary Career: Singer, Songwriter, Television Personality
- Bands: Black Sabbath (1968–1979, 1997–2006, 2011–2017)
- Notable Solo Albums: Blizzard of Ozz, Diary of a Madman, No More Tears
- Nicknames: Prince of Darkness, The Godfather of Heavy Metal
The Official Cause of Death: Cardiac Arrest and Coronary Artery Disease
In the wake of his passing, the official cause of death was confirmed, bringing clarity to the circumstances of his final moments. Ozzy Osbourne died from a cardiac arrest.
The death certificate listed cardiac arrest as the primary cause.
Furthermore, it was revealed that he also suffered from significant coronary artery disease. This is a serious condition where the major blood vessels that supply the heart with blood, oxygen, and nutrients become damaged or diseased, leading to a reduction in blood flow. This underlying condition is a major risk factor for a heart attack or cardiac arrest.
The media also widely reported the cause as a heart attack, which is often used interchangeably with cardiac arrest in common language, especially when the underlying issue is related to coronary health.
His wife, Sharon Osbourne, was by his side, tearfully sharing his final words with the public shortly after his funeral, a detail that resonated deeply with fans around the world.
A Decade of Declining Health: The Long-Term Battle
While cardiac arrest was the immediate cause of death, it was the culmination of a series of severe and compounding health issues that had plagued the metal icon for over a decade. His final years were a constant, grueling battle against physical decline.
The Diagnosis of PRKN 2 Parkinson’s Disease
In 2020, Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne publicly disclosed that he had been living with a rare form of Parkinson’s disease, specifically PRKN 2, since 2003.
This neurological disorder, which affects movement, had a profound impact on his quality of life. His wife shared that in the months leading up to his death, the disease had significantly affected his ability to move, particularly his legs.
In a grim but characteristicly candid update, Ozzy admitted in early 2025 that he could no longer walk due to the severity of the condition.
The Catastrophic Fall and Spinal Surgeries
A pivotal moment in his final health decline was a fall at his home in 2019. This accident exacerbated injuries he had sustained in a 2003 quad bike crash. The fall necessitated multiple, complex spinal surgeries over the following years.
These procedures were intended to correct and stabilize his spine but often led to long and painful recoveries. He underwent a fourth major surgery in 2023, which he hoped would be his last.
The combination of Parkinson's and the physical trauma from the surgeries left him largely immobile, forcing him to cancel his final, long-awaited European and UK tour dates in 2023. This decision marked his retirement from frequent touring, a heartbreaking necessity due to the physical demands his body could no longer sustain.
The Legacy of Substance Abuse and Other Health Scares
Ozzy Osbourne’s long history of intense substance abuse, while a defining part of his rock persona, undoubtedly took a heavy toll on his overall health, especially his cardiovascular system, which ultimately failed him.
Throughout his later years, he also faced other acute health scares, including a serious bout of pneumonia and an infection in his hand that required surgery in 2018.
Despite all the pain and physical suffering, he remained a creative force, delivering a grim but defiant health update in early 2025, stating, “I have made it to 2025,” showing his characteristic dark humor and resilience even as his health failed.
The Final Curtain Call
In a powerful, final act, just two weeks before his death, Ozzy Osbourne reunited with his Black Sabbath bandmates for a farewell performance. This moment served as a poignant final curtain call, allowing the legendary singer to briefly defy his physical ailments and connect with the music and fans one last time.
The death of Ozzy Osbourne at age 76 was a significant loss, but the details of his passing—cardiac arrest stemming from coronary artery disease, compounded by his long battle with Parkinson's and spinal trauma—provide a definitive answer to the question of what he died of. His legacy as the Prince of Darkness, a survivor, and a musical pioneer remains immortal.
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