The world of rock music has been plunged into mourning as the d3ath certificate of legendary Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne has surfaced online, less than two weeks after the shocking news of his passing sent waves of grief through the global music community.
On July 20, emergency services were reportedly called to Ozzy’s longtime residence in Buckinghamshire, England, after a distressing 999 call reported that the Prince of Darkness had collapsed suddenly in his home studio. Paramedics arrived within minutes and fought for nearly 40 minutes to revive the 75-year-old icon, but tragically, he was pronounced d3ad at a local hospital shortly after arrival.
On Thursday, the Buckinghamshire Coroner’s Office released their official report, which has since been leaked online. The report lists Ozzy’s cause of d3ath as “acute respiratory failure due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD),” a condition that had plagued him in recent years. The document also noted secondary factors including Parkinson’s disease and a long history of cardiovascular issues.
The full d3ath certificate, obtained by The Sun’s chief showbiz reporter, was posted on X (formerly Twitter), sparking an immediate outpouring of disbelief and sorrow from fans across the UK and worldwide. According to the certificate, Osbourne’s body was cremated in a private ceremony attended only by his closest family members. Sharon Osbourne, his wife of over 40 years, and their children Kelly, Jack, and Aimee, were present for the emotional farewell.
A Troubled Final Chapter
The coroner’s report revealed that Ozzy’s health had deteriorated sharply in the last six months. In addition to his well-publicized battle with Parkinson’s, he had been in and out of hospitals for respiratory infections and pneumonia. Close family friends disclosed that a hospital-grade care suite had been built in the Osbourne mansion, with round-the-clock nurses and medical staff.
Renowned rock journalist Mick Wall, who chronicled Ozzy’s tumultuous career, wrote, “Ozzy was a warrior. He survived things that would have killed any other man. But in the end, his body just couldn’t keep up with his indestructible spirit.”
Tributes Pour In From Across the Globe
The music world has been united in grief. On the night following the news, thousands of fans gathered outside the Osbourne home, lighting candles and singing “Crazy Train” in a moving vigil. Black Sabbath bandmates Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler issued a joint statement: “We have lost a brother. There will never be another Ozzy.”
Major music festivals across Europe and North America paid tribute, with Glastonbury Festival projecting a giant image of Ozzy across the Pyramid Stage. Artists from Metallica to Billie Eilish shared emotional posts, recalling Ozzy’s influence on generations of musicians.
A Life of Health Struggles and Relentless Spirit
Ozzy’s health battles were well-known. Last year, he gave a candid interview to The Guardian, revealing he had undergone more than 30 surgeries over the past two decades — from spinal fusions to neck and hip replacements, the result of decades of onstage mayhem and a near-fatal ATV accident in 2003.
Despite his ailments, Ozzy never lost his sense of humour or his desire to perform. In what would be his final public appearance, he made a surprise cameo at the 2024 BRIT Awards, waving to fans and joking, “I’m not d3ad yet!” That moment, now immortalised in countless social media tributes, is being shared worldwide as a symbol of his indomitable spirit.
The Osbourne Family’s Private Grief
Sources close to the family say Sharon Osbourne is “devastated but grateful for the outpouring of love.” Daughter Kelly wrote on Instagram, “My dad was larger than life, but at home, he was just Dad. Our hearts are broken, but his music lives forever.” Jack Osbourne posted a black-and-white photo of his father with the caption, “Thank you for everything, Dad. See you on the other side.”
Rumours have swirled about a public memorial concert, with talks underway for an all-star tribute in London’s Hyde Park later this year. Sharon has asked for privacy as the family grieves, but sources say she is “deeply touched” by the global response.
Fans in Disbelief — And the Internet Explodes
Despite the official reports, some fans remain in disbelief, with conspiracy theories already circulating online. “Ozzy can’t di3 — he’s immortal!” one fan tweeted, echoing a sentiment felt by millions who grew up with his music. Others pointed to Ozzy’s many brushes with d3ath over the years, from plane crashes to overdoses, as proof that “The Prince of Darkness will never truly be gone.”
Ozzy Osbourne’s Legacy: More Than Just a Rock Star
Ozzy Osbourne’s impact on music and culture is immeasurable. From his groundbreaking work with Black Sabbath to his wild solo career and his reinvention as a reality TV star, Ozzy redefined what it meant to be a rock legend. His influence stretches from heavy metal to pop, from MTV to TikTok.
BBC, a platform Ozzy frequently appeared on, paid tribute on last week’s “Later… with Jools Holland” and this week’s “The One Show”, replaying his legendary festival performances and his infamous interviews. His final TV appearance was a brief but memorable cameo on “The Osbournes: Night of Mayhem,” filmed just months before his passing.
A Final Farewell
Ozzy Osbourne would have turned 76 in December. He is survived by Sharon, his three beloved children, and five grandchildren. Plans for a public celebration of his life are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
As the world says goodbye to the man who once bit the head off a bat and lived to tell the tale, one thing is certain: Ozzy’s legend will never di3. His music, his madness, and his message of survival against all odds will echo forever.
