On December 28, 1983, three weeks after his 39th birthday, Dennis Wilson drowned at Marina Del Rey after drinking all day and then diving in the afternoon to recover his ex-wife’s belongings, previously thrown overboard at the marina from his yacht three years earlier amidst their divorce.
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Forensic pathologist Michael Hunter believed that Dennis experienced a shallow-water blackout just before his death.
On January 4, 1984, the U.S. Coast Guard buried Dennis’ body at sea, off the California coast.
The Beach Boys released a statement shortly thereafter: “We know Dennis would have wanted to continue in the tradition of the Beach Boys. His spirit will remain in our music.” His song “Farewell My Friend” was played at the funeral.
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Dennis’ widow Shawn Love reported that Dennis had wanted a burial at sea, and his brothers Carl and Brian did not want Dennis cremated.
At the time, only veterans of the Coast Guard and Navy were allowed to be buried in US waters without being first cremated, but Dennis’ burial was made possible by the intervention of then-President Ronald Reagan.
In 2002, Brian expressed unhappiness with the arrangement, believing that Dennis should have been given a traditional burial.
Dennis is best remembered as their drummer and as the middle brother of bandmates Brian and Carl Wilson.
Dennis was the only true surfer in the Beach Boys, and his personal life exemplified the “California Myth” that the band’s early songs often celebrated.
He was also known for his association with the Manson Family and for co-starring in the 1971 film Two-Lane Blacktop.
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