The music world was met with profound sadness upon the passing of heavy metal icon Ozzy Osbourne, who died in London at the age of 76. Weeks after his death, the specific medical details surrounding his final moments have emerged, providing a clearer understanding of the health challenges that marked the legendary Black Sabbath frontman’s later years.
According to a death certificate reviewed by The New York Times and obtained by The Sun, the official cause of death for John Michael Osbourne, known globally as Ozzy, was a heart attack. The document, filed in London by his daughter Aimee Osbourne, specified multiple contributing factors, painting a comprehensive picture of his long-standing health battles.
The certificate reportedly listed his cause of death as “(a) Out of hospital cardiac arrest (b) Acute myocardial infarction (c) Coronary artery disease and Parkinson’s disease with autonomic dysfunction (Joint Causes).” This precise detailing highlights the complex interplay of conditions that ultimately led to his demise. Each of these medical terms describes a distinct yet interconnected aspect of his health.
Cardiac arrest, the primary listed cause, occurs when the heart abruptly ceases to function due to an irregular electrical rhythm, leading to an immediate cessation of breathing and consciousness. While often confused with a heart attack, it is a distinct and life-threatening event requiring immediate intervention.
Acute myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack, refers to a critical condition where parts of the heart muscle are deprived of adequate blood flow, typically due to a blockage in an artery. This can, in turn, precipitate a sudden cardiac arrest, underscoring the severity of Osbourne’s condition.
Further compounding his cardiovascular health was coronary artery disease, a prevalent form of heart disease characterized by reduced blood flow to the heart. This condition often develops over many years as fats, cholesterol, and other substances accumulate within the arterial walls, gradually impeding blood circulation.
His years-long battle with Parkinson’s disease, specifically Parkinson’s disease with autonomic dysfunction, also played a significant role. Diagnosed in 2003, though not publicly revealed until early 2020, this degenerative brain condition manifests with symptoms such as tremors, slowed movement, rigid muscles, and challenges with posture and balance. The autonomic dysfunction component indicates that the disease also affected his involuntary bodily functions, including heart rate, breathing, and digestion, further complicating his health.
Osbourne had been candid about the physical toll of Parkinson’s disease, telling his “Ozzy Speaks” co-host Billy Morrison in January, “I can’t walk.” Despite these profound physical limitations, he expressed gratitude, stating he was grateful that he was “still alive.”
Beyond Parkinson’s, the music icon faced a series of debilitating health issues in the years leading up to his death. A major neck injury sustained from a fall at his Los Angeles home in 2019 necessitated multiple surgeries. This incident exacerbated a previous neck injury from a bike crash in 2000, which he recalled, “I just got up and carried on but I had broken my neck, and I carried on working with it until I had that fall, and then just everything came undone.”
His wife, Sharon Osbourne, reflected on the profound impact her husband’s health challenges had on their family’s life, noting, “It changes your whole life.” She elaborated, “Suddenly, you’re off in another direction and your life changes so drastically. It’s really hard.” However, she also cherished the unexpected benefit: “it’s great that I’ve had Ozzy at home for five years. He’s driving me crazy, but we’ve been together every day for five years.”
Just weeks before his passing, Osbourne made a final, poignant appearance on stage. On July 5, he performed at Black Sabbath’s “Back to the Beginning” farewell concert in his hometown of Birmingham, England. This performance, filmed for a concert movie and documentary slated for release in 2026, served as a powerful testament to his enduring spirit and dedication to his craft, despite his severe health limitations.
He performed while seated in a black leather chair, a necessary accommodation due to his inability to walk. The legendary hitmaker sang five solo songs before being joined by his former Black Sabbath bandmates Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward for four final Black Sabbath tunes, a moment cherished by 40,000 fans who attended.
His bandmates noted his frailty during rehearsals and the show. Geezer Butler described how Osbourne was “helped into the rehearsal room by two helpers and a nurse and was using a cane – being Ozzy, the cane was black and studded with gold and precious stones.” He added, “He didn’t really say much beyond the usual greetings and when he sang, he sat in a chair.” Tony Iommi shared his shock at the news of Osbourne’s death, commenting, “I think he really just held out to do that show. I really feel – and me and Geezer were talking about it last night – that we think he held out to do it, and just after that, he’s done it and said goodbye to the fans.”
The concert was not only a farewell to his fans and career but also a charitable endeavor, raising significant funds for Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Acorns Children’s Hospice. It was later confirmed that this event may have been one of the highest-grossing charity concerts of all time, further cementing his legacy of generosity.
Osbourne’s family announced his death in a statement shared with The Times, conveying immense grief: “It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning.” They emphasized, “He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time.” The statement was signed by Sharon, Jack, Kelly, Aimee, and Louis Osbourne.
The news prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the music industry and beyond. Musicians including Elton John, who called him “a dear friend and a huge trailblazer who secured his place in the pantheon of rock gods — a true legend,” also added, “He was also one of the funniest people I’ve ever met.” Tony Iommi expressed his heartbreak on Instagram: “It’s just such heartbreaking news that I can’t really find the words, there won’t ever be another like him. Geezer, Bill and myself have lost our brother.”
A week after his death, thousands of Black Sabbath fans gathered in his hometown of Birmingham, England, on July 30, for a public celebration of his life. A funeral procession saw his hearse, followed by his wife and children, make its way through Broad Street, pausing at the Black Sabbath Bench and Bridge. Photos from the procession showed a visibly emotional Sharon Osbourne, holding Jack’s hands and hugging Kelly, as she laid purple flowers at a memorial for Ozzy. Sharon was seen clutching her late husband’s ring, tied on a chain around her neck, while Kelly appeared to be wearing Ozzy’s iconic round, purple-tinted sunglasses, symbolizing a deeply personal farewell.
