David Lynch's death took place came after he was "forced to relocate from his house" due to the Los Angeles wildfires, it has been reported via NME.

On January 16th, Lynch's passing was announced by his family on social media. His family did not share a date of his death. He was aged 78.

Now, in a statement to Deadline, anonymous sources revealed that his health took a turn for the worse after he was forced to evacuate from his home along Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles.

The wildfires would have drastically affected Lynch's health, as the director disclosed his emphysema diagnosis last year. It was caused by smoking for most of his life. Emphysema, also known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is where damage to the air sacs occurs as a result of smoking, pollution or workplace irritants (as per NHS). The disease causes breathing problems, coughing and those suffering from it can experience frequent chest infections and wheezing.

Additionally, Lynch confirmed in November that he needed supplemental oxygen for strenuous activities, which he classified as "walking across a room" and more. He also added that due to fears of the diseases owing to the pandemic further affecting his condition, he would no longer be directing films on set or leaving his home for projects, instead opting to direct remotely.