The Official Cause Of Death: How Ozzy Osbourne Died At 76

The legendary Prince of Darkness, John Michael "Ozzy" Osbourne, has passed away. The heavy metal icon and Black Sabbath frontman died on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at the age of 76. The news, though deeply saddening for millions of fans worldwide, brought an end to years of intense speculation and public concern over his deteriorating health. This article, updated on December 10, 2025, provides the definitive, official details surrounding his passing, including the primary cause of death and the complex health battles that preceded it.

The official cause of death, as confirmed by the death certificate, points to an "out of hospital cardiac arrest," more commonly known as a heart attack. This final, acute event was the culmination of a decades-long struggle with various severe health conditions. The certificate also officially listed two major contributing factors: severe coronary artery disease and his long-term battle with Parkinson's disease. To truly understand how Ozzy Osbourne died, one must look beyond the immediate cause and examine the incredible physical toll his life and chronic illnesses took on his body.

John Michael "Ozzy" Osbourne: A Life and Death Biography

Ozzy Osbourne’s life was as dramatic and enduring as his music career. Born John Michael Osbourne on December 3, 1948, in Aston, Birmingham, England, he rose from a working-class background to become a global cultural phenomenon. His career is marked by two distinct, highly successful eras, followed by an unexpected third act in reality television.

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• Full Name: John Michael Osbourne
• Nickname: Prince of Darkness, The Ozzman
• Born: December 3, 1948
• Birthplace: Aston, Birmingham, England
• Died: July 22, 2025 (Age 76)
• Spouse: Sharon Osbourne (m. 1982)
• Children: Jessica, Louis, Aimee, Kelly, and Jack Osbourne
• Career Highlights: Co-founding vocalist of Black Sabbath (1968–1979, 1997–2006, 2011–2017), hugely successful solo career (starting 1980), and star of the reality TV show The Osbournes (2002–2005).
• Final Public Performance: July 5, 2025, at Black Sabbath’s "Back to the Beginning" concert at Villa Park, Birmingham.

His persona as the "Prince of Darkness" defined heavy metal, first with Black Sabbath, where he pioneered the genre with seminal albums like Paranoid and Master of Reality, and later with a solo career that spawned hits like "Crazy Train" and "Bark at the Moon." His family life, showcased on MTV's The Osbournes, cemented his status as a complex, beloved, and often hilarious figure in pop culture.

The Official Medical Cause: Cardiac Arrest and Coronary Artery Disease

The official declaration of death cites an "out of hospital cardiac arrest" as the immediate cause. A cardiac arrest is a sudden loss of heart function, breathing, and consciousness, typically resulting from an electrical disturbance in the heart that disrupts its pumping action.

The death certificate further specified that this event was directly linked to severe coronary artery disease (CAD). CAD is a common condition where the major blood vessels that supply the heart with blood, oxygen, and nutrients become damaged or diseased. Over time, fatty deposits (plaque) build up, causing the arteries to narrow and restrict blood flow to the heart muscle. This condition leads to an acute myocardial infarction, or heart attack, which is what ultimately led to his cardiac arrest.

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Ozzy Osbourne's history of intense lifestyle, including heavy substance abuse for decades, is known to significantly accelerate the progression of cardiovascular issues like coronary artery disease. While he had achieved sobriety in his later years, the cumulative damage to his heart and vascular system was a critical factor in his final moments.

The Long-Term Health Battles That Contributed to His Passing

While cardiac arrest was the final cause, the official documentation made it clear that a lifetime of chronic health struggles were major contributing factors. Ozzy Osbourne’s health had been a central public discussion for years, and two conditions stand out as the most significant in his final decade: Parkinson's disease and the lingering effects of a catastrophic accident.

The Battle with Parkin 2 Syndrome

In 2020, Ozzy publicly revealed his diagnosis of Parkinson's disease, a progressive neurodegenerative disorder. However, he had initially been diagnosed back in 2003. Specifically, he suffered from a genetic form of the disease known as Parkin 2 or PRKN-2 (Parkin Syndrome). This is a less common form of Parkinson’s, often characterized by a slower progression and earlier onset, though it shares the classic symptoms of tremors, slowed movement (bradykinesia), and rigidity.

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The physical decline from Parkinson's disease greatly limited his mobility and quality of life in his final years. The constant struggle with poor coordination and balance led to falls and required him to use a cane or wheelchair, severely impacting his ability to tour and perform live. This constant physical stress on his body is considered a major systemic factor that exacerbated his cardiovascular vulnerability.

The Lingering Trauma of the 2003 Quad Bike Accident

A second, pivotal health event was a near-fatal quad bike accident at his English estate in December 2003. The ATV flipped onto him, causing devastating injuries. He was placed on a ventilator and required emergency surgery to stabilize his body. The injuries included a broken collarbone, eight fractured ribs, and a fractured vertebra in his neck.

The spinal and neck injuries from this accident never fully healed. In the years leading up to his death, a fall in 2019 at his Los Angeles home aggravated these old injuries, requiring extensive and painful subsequent surgeries. These procedures involved the removal and realignment of metal plates placed in his neck and spine years prior. The chronic pain, nerve damage, and subsequent immobility from these spinal issues were a constant drain on his physical and mental reserves, contributing to an overall frailty that made him more susceptible to a major medical event like a heart attack.

A Farewell Performance and Final Days

Despite his debilitating health issues, Ozzy Osbourne made a final, triumphant public appearance just weeks before his death. On July 5, 2025, he performed with Black Sabbath at a special concert in his hometown of Birmingham, England. The concert, titled "Back to the Beginning," was intended as a final farewell to his fans, a powerful moment that showcased the enduring spirit of the heavy metal godfather.

Following this emotional performance, he returned to the United Kingdom, where he spent his final weeks surrounded by his family, including his wife Sharon Osbourne and children Kelly and Jack Osbourne. His death on July 22, 2025, at Harefield Hospital, was confirmed to be peaceful, with his loved ones by his side.

The question of "how did Ozzy Osbourne die" is answered with a complex medical history. It was not a single cause but a tragic intersection of coronary artery disease, the progressive neurodegenerative effects of Parkin 2 Parkinson's disease, and the long-term trauma from his 2003 accident. The Prince of Darkness is gone, but the legacy of his music and his incredible resilience in the face of overwhelming adversity will forever endure.