The family of the ‘Twin Peaks’ director revealed his passing through a social media statement on January 16.
The cause of death for David Lynch has been disclosed.
Almost a month after the cherished Twin Peaks director passed away at 78, a death certificate from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health indicates that Lynch died from cardiac arrest caused by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, according to The Independent and TMZ, which was the first to break the news.
Dehydration was noted as a major factor in Lynch’s death, according to the redacted document provided by TMZ, after it was released on Friday, Feb. 7.
A representative for Lynch did not quickly reply to PEOPLE’s request for confirmation on Saturday, February 8.
Lynch’s death cause was revealed three weeks after the filmmaker’s family, recognized for his unique “Lynchian” style, shared the news of his passing in a social media announcement on January 16.
“It is with great sorrow that we, his family, inform you of the death of the individual and the artist, David Lynch.” “We would like to have some privacy right now,” the Facebook message stated. “Now that he’s not with us, there’s a significant void in the world.” However, as he used to say, ‘Focus on the donut, not on the hole.’
“It’s a lovely day with radiant sunshine and clear blue skies throughout,” the family commented.
In addition to Twin Peaks, which debuted in 1990, the director worked on projects such as The Elephant Man, Blue Velvet, and Mulholland Drive. Lynch was also a writer of works such as the 2006 book Catching the Big Fish: Meditation, Consciousness, and Creativity and the 2018 title Room to Dream.
His career encompassed commercial projects, music videos (for Moby, Nine Inch Nails, and Donovan), and portraying director John Ford in Steven Spielberg’s 2022 movie The Fabelmans.
Numerous close associates and friends paid tribute to Lynch on social media last month, including Twin Peaks actor Kyle MacLachlan, who called the director a man who “brought me out of obscurity to feature in his first and final major film.” The duo collaborated on Dune and Blue Velvet, too.
He evidently perceived something within me that I myself did not recognize. “I attribute my whole career, and my life as well, to his vision,” MacLachlan, 65, expressed. “What I perceived in him was a mysterious and instinctive individual with a creative ocean overflowing within.” He connected with something that the rest of us wish we could access.
MacLachlan subsequently referred to Lynch as “a cherished friend who envisioned a future for me and permitted me to explore realms I could never have envisioned myself,” adding that he was “eternally transformed.”
“His affection for me and my affection for him arose from the cosmic destiny of two individuals who recognized the finest qualities in one another,” he wrote.
MacLachlan went on to say, “I will miss him beyond what my words can express and what my heart can endure. My life is infinitely richer because I met him and significantly emptier now that he has departed.
Naomi Watts additionally honored Lynch in a post on Instagram dated Jan. 16, referring to the star as her “buddy.” The duo had previously collaborated on several projects, such as Mulholland Drive in 2001.
“He placed me on the map,” Watts, 56, noted in her caption. “The industry I had been attempting to enter for over ten years, failing auditions continuously.” At last, I found myself before an inquisitive man, glowing with brightness, articulating phrases from a different time, bringing laughter and comfort to my spirit.
“I simply can’t accept that he’s no longer here,” she wrapped up the post. “I’m shattered but eternally thankful for our friendship.” I’m shouting through the bullhorn: Good luck, Buddy Dave! “Thank you for all that you do.”