Director David Lynch’s cause of death revealed

David Lynch, who directed movies like Dune and Blue Velvet, died in January. Now his cause of death has been revealed.

David Lynch’s cause of death has been revealed.

The legendary filmmaker passed away January 16 at age 78 from cardiac arrest due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, according to TMZ, who obtained Lynch’s death certificate from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.

Dehydration was also listed as a significant contributor to Lynch’s death.

The New York Post reached out to Lynch’s rep for comment.

Lynch’s family announced his death on social media last month.

Director David Lynch died from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Picture: Matthias Nareyek/Getty Images)

“It is with deep regret that we, his family, announce the passing of the man and the artist, David Lynch,” the family’s Facebook statement read. “We would appreciate some privacy at this time.”

“There’s a big hole in the world now that he’s no longer with us. But, as he would say, ‘Keep your eye on the doughnut and not on the hole,’” the statement added. “It’s a beautiful day with golden sunshine and blue skies all the way.”

It was reported the week before Lynch’s death that he evacuated his LA home near Laurel Canyon Boulevard due to the deadly wildfires. His producer Sabrina Sutherland confirmed that he was safe.

The late star — famous for co-creating the series Twin Peaks and directing films like Dune, Blue Velvet and Mulholland Drive — was diagnosed with emphysema, a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, back in 2020.

In November 2024, Lynch told People that he needed supplemental oxygen to do much of anything.

“What you sow is what you reap,” said Lynch. “You’re literally playing with fire. It can bite you. I took a chance, and I got bit.”

The Oscar nominee, who started smoking at age 8 but quit in 2022, told Sight and Sound magazine last year that he was homebound because “it would be very bad for me to get sick, even with a cold.”

Director David Lynch died on January 16 at age 78 from cardiac arrest due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Picture: Kevin Winter/Getty Images

After his death, Lynch was honoured on social media by many stars including Kyle MacLachlan, who starred in Dune, Blue Velvet and Twin Peaks.

“Forty-two years ago, for reasons beyond my comprehension, David Lynch plucked me out of obscurity to star in his first and last big budget movie,” MacLachlan, 65, wrote on Instagram.

“Our friendship blossomed on Blue Velvet and then Twin Peaks and I always found him to be the most authentically alive person I’d ever met,” the actor continued.

MacLachlan added, “While the world has lost a remarkable artist, I’ve lost a dear friend who imagined a future for me and allowed me to travel in worlds I could never have conceived on my own.”

Naomi Watts, who starred in Mulholland Drive, remembered Lynch in an Instagram tribute of her own.

“My heart is broken. My Buddy Dave… The world will not be the same without him,” wrote Watts, 56.

The actress said she was “lucky” to have known Lynch and praised his “exquisite storytelling, which elevated cinema and inspired generations of filmmakers across the globe.”

This story was published by the New York Post and reproduced with permission

Originally published as Director David Lynch’s cause of death revealed