How did David Lynch die?

David Lynch, the American filmmaker, writer and artist who scored best director Oscar nominations for "Blue Velvet," "The Elephant Man" and "Mulholland Drive" and co-created the groundbreaking TV series "Twin Peaks,"  died at age 78..

"It is with deep regret that we, his family, announce the passing of the man and the artist, David Lynch," a statement on Lynch's Facebook page said said on Thursday. 

"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 donut and not on the hole.'"

No cause of death was released. An unconfirmed report attributed his death to the wildfires in Los Angeles. He was forced to be relocated as the fires engulfed neighborhoods. 

Lynch disclosed in August 2024 that he had been diagnosed with emphysema, a lung disease, caused by many years of smoking.

Emphysema a chronic lung disease that damages the air sacs in the lungs, making it difficult to breathe.

In an interview last year, Lynch said he was housebound with emphysema but had no intention of retiring.

He received an honorary Academy Award in 2019 for his lifetime achievements.