On this day, December 28, 1983, Dennis Wilson, drummer and founding member of The Beach Boys, tragically drowned in Marina Del Rey, California. Wilson, who had spent the day drinking, dove into the marina to recover personal items he had previously thrown overboard, but never resurfaced.
Known for his soulful voice and contributions to hits like “Forever” and “Little Bird,” Wilson was the only Beach Boy who actually surfed and embodied the band’s California lifestyle. His untimely death at 39 left a lasting impact on fans and the music world.